Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Name: Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet), cut into bite-sized pieces; 300 g (10 oz) rigatoni pasta; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 5 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream; 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: June 2, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, this meal fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will satisfy your cravings.
Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this recipe suits various occasions and palates.
Restaurant-Quality Meal: Enjoy gourmet flavors without the hefty price tag by making this dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids alike, making it an excellent option for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand will make preparing Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the steak and makes it easy to combine ingredients.
Pot for boiling pasta: Using the right size pot ensures the rigatoni cooks evenly without sticking together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce.

Ingredients

For the Steak

1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

300 g (10 oz) rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steak pieces in a single layer.
Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium.
Melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss the seared steak bites in the garlic butter before removing them to keep warm.

Step 3: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, stir in heavy cream.
Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently for 2–3 minutes.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; stir until fully melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain well.
Add cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce mixture.
Toss gently until all pasta is coated evenly in sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Plate generous portions of creamy rigatoni topped with garlic butter steak bites.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Serving Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is all about creating a delightful dining experience. The rich flavors of the dish can be complemented with careful presentation and pairing. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Plate It Beautifully

Use large plates to showcase the creamy rigatoni as a bed for the steak bites.
Drizzle extra garlic butter over the top for added richness.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Consider adding grated lemon zest for a citrusy contrast.

Pair with a Refreshing Salad

A light arugula or mixed greens salad can balance the richness of the pasta.
Dress it simply with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Offer Crusty Bread

Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Garlic bread can be an excellent choice to enhance the garlic flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Achieving perfection in your Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality steak and authentic Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sear until just cooked; it should remain juicy and tender.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adjusting salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning will enhance overall flavor.
Control the Cream Sauce Thickness: If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water; if too thin, simmer longer until it thickens.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh; serve right after preparing for optimal taste and texture.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

To complement your Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, consider these delightful side dishes. Each will enhance your meal while providing variety.

Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted slices that add crunch and absorb delicious sauces.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing topped with croutons and shaved cheese.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil create a colorful and nutritious side.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh touch that contrasts well with creamy pasta.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with steak.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides crunch and balances the richness of the main dish.
Mushroom Risotto: A creamy risotto adds depth and complements the flavors of both steak and pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove it from the heat promptly.
Not Salting the Pasta Water: If you forget to salt your pasta water, your rigatoni will taste bland. Always add a generous amount of salt before boiling the pasta.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies on quality ingredients. Opt for fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Skipping the Garlic Butter Step: Tossing the steak in garlic butter adds flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the dish significantly.
Rushing the Cream Sauce: Allowing the cream sauce to simmer helps develop the flavors. Patience is key—don’t rush this process!

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni in an airtight container.
Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of cream or water if needed. Stir occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my Garlic Butter Steak is tender?

To keep your steak tender, choose cuts like sirloin or ribeye and avoid overcooking them. A quick sear locks in flavors while maintaining juiciness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the steak and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when ready to serve for best results.

What can I substitute for rigatoni?

If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, you can use penne or fusilli as alternatives. They will still hold onto the creamy sauce well.

How do I customize my Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust seasonings based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! This dish allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors while offering restaurant-quality taste at home. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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