Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Looking for a recipe that blends the decadence of steak with the creamy allure of pasta? This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is the perfect choice! Combining tender, seared steak bites with velvety rigatoni coated in a rich Parmesan sauce, this dish will elevate your dinner table and impress everyone with its restaurant-quality flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter complements the juicy steak perfectly, while the Parmesan sauce adds a luscious, cheesy touch.
• Easy Elegance: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Versatile: Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Pasta:

• Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Steak:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked steak back to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.

3. Make the Parmesan Sauce:

• In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Toss the cooked rigatoni with the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
• Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter steak pieces. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Steak: Opt for a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin for the best results.
• Control the Sauce Thickness: Use pasta water to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
• Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best when served fresh to enjoy the creaminess of the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

• Wine: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the steak and cheese.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture.

Serving and Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Serving Tips:

• Garnish for Extra Flair: Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 people, making it ideal for a family meal or a dinner party.
• Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the dish.
• Add a Crunch: For a contrast in texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits over the pasta before serving.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before placing it in the container.
• Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the creamy Parmesan rigatoni and garlic butter steak separately for up to 1 month. When reheating, the sauce may need to be adjusted with a bit of cream or milk to restore its smooth texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the steak and pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is evenly heated. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, in 30-second intervals.

With these serving and storage tips, you’ll enjoy Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni at its best, whether fresh or as delicious leftovers!

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While rigatoni works wonderfully for this dish, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute (like rice flour or cornstarch) to make the roux. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or plant-based butter, and use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute.

3. Can I make the garlic butter steak in advance?
Yes! You can cook the steak ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the steak in the garlic butter mixture on low heat until warmed through.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy Parmesan sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the cream for a delicious addition.

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