Description
Steak Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
For the Steak:
2 sirloin or ribeye steaks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
200g fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for your preferred doneness).
Add butter to the skillet and baste the steaks for extra flavor. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Plate the pasta and top with sliced steak.
Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
This rich and indulgent dish is perfect for a date night or special dinner!
Enjoy your creamy, steak-topped pasta masterpiece!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Bring steaks to room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels, then season liberally on all sides with salt and pepper. This ensures a perfect sear.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add steaks and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side. In the final minute, add the butter. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks repeatedly. Transfer steaks to a cutting board to rest.
4. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet (do not clean it), reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season to taste.
6. Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Slice the rested steak against the grain. Plate the saucy pasta and top with sliced steak. Garnish and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent dish immediately while hot. Complement the rich pasta with a light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For wine, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
How-to Summary
To make Steak Alfredo Pasta: season and sear steaks in a hot skillet, then set aside to rest. Boil pasta until al dente. In the same skillet, make a simple Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. Toss the pasta in the sauce, then top with sliced steak. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes. While sirloin and ribeye are excellent, 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? Keep the heat low after adding the cream and always remove the pan from the heat before whisking in the cheese. Adding cheese to boiling liquid can cause it to separate.
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. Avoid milk, as it can curdle.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the steak? Reheat the pasta and sauce gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream. Reheat the steak slices separately in the microwave at low power or briefly in a warm oven to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep components ahead: cook the steak and slice it, and make the sauce. Store separately. Reheat the sauce gently, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and top with steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not resting the steak: Slicing immediately causes all the flavorful juices to run out. Always let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always grate fresh Parmesan off the block.
- Crowding the pan when searing: Ensure the steaks are not touching in the skillet to allow for proper browning, not steaming.
Conclusion
This Steak Alfredo Pasta combines the luxurious comfort of creamy Alfredo with the hearty, savory satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any special occasion, delivering maximum flavor with straightforward techniques. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary effort.