Description
Creamy Steak Alfredo with Linguine
Ingredients:
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
1 pack of linguine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steaks:
Season steaks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steaks to your preferred doneness (medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side). Set aside to rest before slicing.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked linguine in the Alfredo sauce. Plate the pasta and top with sliced steak.
Garnish with parsley and freshly cracked pepper.
Dive into the decadence of creamy Alfredo paired with juicy steak!
This dish is comfort food at its finest.
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the linguine. While it heats, pat your steaks dry and season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving one cup of pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your preference. Transfer steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for at least 10 minutes. Do not clean the skillet.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Add the drained linguine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Divide the pasta among plates, top with sliced steak, and garnish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach are excellent choices. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak perfectly.
How-to Summary
To create Creamy Steak Alfredo, cook linguine al dente and sear seasoned steaks. Rest the steak, then use the same skillet to make a simple Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. Toss the pasta in the sauce, top with sliced steak, and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, strip steak (New York strip), or even filet mignon work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How do 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, keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce is best served fresh. You can prep components: cook the steak and pasta ahead, then reheat gently and make the sauce just before serving.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Do not boil vigorously if using half-and-half.
How do I properly slice the steak for this recipe?
Always let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Then, use a sharp knife to slice thinly against the grain (across the long muscle fibers). This ensures each piece is tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak: Remember it will continue to cook while resting. Aim for slightly under your desired doneness.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese: This can lead to a clumpy, non-creamy sauce.
- Adding cheese to boiling sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
- Skipping the steak rest: Resting allows juices to redistribute. Slicing immediately will result in dry steak.
- Not salting the pasta water sufficiently: This is your primary chance to season the pasta itself.
Conclusion
Creamy Steak Alfredo with Linguine is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By mastering a few key techniques—properly searing steak, crafting a smooth Alfredo sauce, and combining components with care—you create a dish of impressive flavor and comfort. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a special dinner that is sure to delight anyone at your table.