Description
Creamy Steak Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak:
Season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or adjust to your preferred doneness.
Remove the steaks, let them rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine:
Toss the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
5. Assemble:
Plate the pasta and top with the sliced steak. Drizzle extra sauce over the steak and garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread
and a fresh garden salad
.
Enjoy this indulgent and flavorful pasta dish!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect execution. First, ensure your steak is at room temperature before seasoning; this ensures even cooking. For the sear, your skillet should be very hot before adding the butter and steaks to achieve a flavorful crust. While the steak rests, start your pasta water. Salting the water generously is crucial for flavoring the pasta itself. When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat at medium to prevent the cream from scalding or the cheese from clumping. Add the grated Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly until fully incorporated before adding more. Finally, combine the pasta and sauce off the direct heat to maintain a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides to balance the meal. Consider a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. For a beverage, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak, or a crisp Pinot Grigio can cut through the creaminess. To elevate the presentation, serve in warm bowls and garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and pan-sear steaks to your preferred doneness, then rest and slice. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. In a skillet, create a simple Alfredo sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, simmering heavy cream, and melting in Parmesan. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce, plate, and top with sliced steak. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, while ribeye and sirloin are recommended for flavor and tenderness, flank or skirt steak work well too. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
How can I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause graininess. Also, avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The components are best fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and cook the steak in advance, then gently reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk, as it is likely to curdle.
How do I properly rest the steak, and why is it important?
Let the cooked steak sit on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy result when sliced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak, which makes it tough. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (135°F for medium-rare).
- Adding cold pasta to the sauce. Always toss the drained pasta immediately while it’s still hot.
- Using low-quality, pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which can lead to a clumpy sauce.
- Neglecting to salt the pasta water adequately, resulting in bland pasta.
- Cooking the sauce over too high heat, which can cause separation.
Conclusion
This Creamy Steak Alfredo Pasta recipe masterfully combines the luxurious richness of a homemade Alfredo sauce with the savory satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to impress. It’s a versatile yet indulgent meal perfect for a special dinner, proving that incredible flavor can be achieved right in your own kitchen.