There’s nothing quite like the magic of a perfectly seared steak paired with rich, creamy pasta, is there? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta combines tender ribeye steak cubes with a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed together with al dente rigatoni. It’s the perfect dish for a date night, family dinner, or even a solo indulgence.

If you’ve been looking for a restaurant-quality meal to recreate at home, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Flavor Explosion: The savory steak, creamy sauce, and earthy garlic come together in a way that’s truly unforgettable.
Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy pasta always hits the spot, especially when paired with the richness of Parmesan and the boldness of garlic.
Versatile Ingredients: If you don’t have ribeye, other cuts of steak (or even chicken) work wonderfully!
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

450 g Ribeye steak (approximately 2 steaks)
1 tablespoon Paprika
2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 teaspoons Dried parsley
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1 Onion, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Butter
½ cup Chicken stock (120 ml)
½ cup Double cream (120 ml)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (40 g)
⅓ cup Fresh parsley, chopped (10 g)

the Pasta:

300 g Rigatoni
Salt for boiling water

Tools You’ll Need

Large frying pan or skillet
Large pot for boiling pasta
Sharp knife and cutting board
Grater for Parmesan
Tongs for handling steak

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Steak and Ingredients

Begin by seasoning both sides of the ribeye steaks generously with paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the steak and rub it in to coat evenly. Let the steak sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Having these ready will streamline the cooking process.

2. Searing the Steak

Heat a large frying pan on high heat for 1 minute. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 1 minute per side. Lower the heat slightly, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan, and baste the steak by spooning the melted butter over it for another minute.

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring the steak remains juicy and tender.

3. Cooking the Pasta

While the steak rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan used for the steak, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of paprika here (optional).

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and double cream, stirring to combine. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat, then add the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth consistency.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

5. Bringing It All Together

Add the cooked rigatoni and chopped parsley to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Slice the rested steak into bite-sized cubes and place them on top of each serving of pasta. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan for a picture-perfect finish.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Garlic Bread: For dipping into that creamy sauce!
Side Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli make excellent complements.

Tips for Perfect Steak Pasta

Let the Steak Rest: This step ensures the juices redistribute, giving you the most flavorful, tender bites.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Grate it fresh for the best results.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it al dente ensures it won’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning in the sauce as needed—cream can mellow flavors, so you might need a pinch more salt or Parmesan.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta before microwaving to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin or strip steak are great alternatives. You can even use chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.

What if I don’t have rigatoni?

Any short pasta works well—penne, farfalle, or even fusilli.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can swap the double cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—a decadent and satisfying Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Whether you’re whipping this up for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, you’ll love every bite of this rich and flavorful dish.

Looking for more pasta inspiration? Try Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a twist on the creamy garlic theme or indulge in Baked Ziti: Cheesy, Comforting, and Irresistible for a hearty baked option.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest with your photos. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!