Growing up, Garlic Steak Pasta was always one of my favorite meals that my mom would make for special occasions. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma of the sizzling garlic and tender steak wafting through the house, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. Mom would carefully toss the pasta in the savory sauce, ensuring every noodle was coated in the rich, garlicky goodness. And the first bite? Pure bliss! The way the juicy steak, al dente pasta, and fragrant garlic all came together in perfect harmony – it was like a party in my mouth. To this day, Garlic Steak Pasta reminds me of those cozy family dinners, where we’d all gather around the table and enjoy a meal made with so much love. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time, and one I’m excited to share with you.
Why This Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Steak Pasta
What makes this Garlic Steak Pasta recipe so special is the combination of techniques that result in unbelievably flavorful and tender meat. First, we’ll be marinating the steak in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, which infuses the meat with an incredible depth of flavor. Then, we’ll sear the steak to get that delicious caramelized crust before finishing it off in the oven for perfectly cooked, juicy results. And the pasta? It’s tossed in a silky, garlicky sauce that ties the whole dish together in the most mouthwatering way. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Steak Pasta, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Steak Pasta, you’ll need:
- Flank steak – The perfect cut for this dish, as it becomes wonderfully tender when marinated and cooked properly.
- Garlic – The star of the show! You’ll be using fresh, minced garlic in both the marinade and the sauce.
- Soy sauce – Adds a savory, umami-rich flavor to the marinade.
- Brown sugar – Just a touch, to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and add a subtle sweetness.
- Olive oil – For searing the steak and tossing the pasta.
- Pasta – Your choice of pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine, to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Heavy cream – This creates the luxurious, creamy texture of the garlic sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For a bright, herbal finish.
Step-by-Step Garlic Steak Pasta Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Steak Pasta
This Garlic Steak Pasta recipe is surprisingly simple to make, but the end result is nothing short of restaurant-quality. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a hearty, flavor-packed meal on the table in under an hour. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by marinating the steak. In a shallow dish, combine the flank steak, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Cover and let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
2- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the marinated steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms.
3- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the steak for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
4- While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
5- In the same skillet used for the steak, heat a bit more olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring to combine.
6- Add the cooked pasta to the garlic-cream sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to thin it out. Slice the steak and add it to the pasta, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
One key to getting the perfect Garlic Steak Pasta is to not overcook the steak. Keep a close eye on it in the oven, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. Also, be sure to let the steak rest before slicing – this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more tender bite.
Another tip is to reserve some of the pasta cooking water. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a silkier, more emulsified texture. Start with just a splash and add more as needed.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you want a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a bit more richness, you can stir in a knob of butter at the end. The beauty of this Garlic Steak Pasta is that it’s incredibly versatile.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Steak Pasta
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Steak Pasta
This Garlic Steak Pasta is a wonderfully hearty and satisfying main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, also complement the flavors wonderfully.
And of course, no Garlic Steak Pasta meal is complete without a glass of full-bodied red wine. The rich, savory notes of the dish call for a bold, fruit-forward wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Garlic Steak Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, and warm it over medium heat until heated through.
You can also make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the steak marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. The pasta and sauce can be cooked and stored separately, then combined and reheated when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Steak Pasta
Creative Garlic Steak Pasta Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to put a spin on this Garlic Steak Pasta recipe. Try swapping the flank steak for skirt steak or hanger steak for a different texture. You could also use a blend of cheeses in the sauce, like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
For a seasonal twist, consider adding roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes to the pasta. Or, if you’re craving a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Making Garlic Steak Pasta Diet-Friendly
To make this Garlic Steak Pasta recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. To make it low-carb, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
If you’re looking to reduce the fat and calories, use a leaner cut of steak, such as sirloin, and opt for a plant-based milk or cream alternative in the sauce. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a reduced-fat version.
No matter how you choose to adapt this Garlic Steak Pasta, the core flavors will still shine through, making it a delicious and versatile dish for any dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of steak besides flank steak?
A: Absolutely! Flank steak is our recommendation, but you can also use skirt steak, hanger steak, or even sirloin for this Garlic Steak Pasta recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts may require slightly different searing and roasting times.
Q: How can I tell when the steak is done?
A: The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, you’ll want the internal temperature to reach 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 140-145°F. Remember that the steak will continue to cook a bit as it rests, so you can pull it from the oven when it’s a few degrees below your desired doneness.
Q: Can I make this Garlic Steak Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance, and the cooked pasta and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta and sauce together, slice the steak, and combine everything.
Q: How much should I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This Garlic Steak Pasta recipe serves 4-6 people, but it’s easy to adjust the amounts as needed. For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. For a smaller serving, you can cut the recipe in half. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking times, as the size of the steak may affect the searing and roasting times.
Q: What should I do if the sauce seems too thick?
A: If your Garlic Steak Pasta sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. The starch in the water will help thin out the sauce and create a silkier, more emulsified texture. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Garlic Steak Pasta
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Steak Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Tender slices of steak are sautéed with garlic and combined with al dente pasta in a creamy, delicious sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned on the outside but still pink in the center. Transfer the steak to a plate.
3. – In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. – Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. – Add the cooked pasta and steak back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
6. – Season with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. – Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, you can substitute beef broth for up to half of the heavy cream. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a big plate of Garlic Steak Pasta. The tender, juicy steak, the al dente noodles, and that rich, garlicky sauce – it’s a match made in heaven. And with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate that restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
I hope this Garlic Steak Pasta becomes a new family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me. I’d love to see how your Garlic Steak Pasta turns out.