Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles 🥩🍜
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles dish is the ultimate combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make. The rich garlic butter sauce envelops the linguine.
while the juicy sirloin steak adds a savory bite, making each mouthful unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just a cozy night in, this dish will impress with its deep, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine
1 lb sirloin steak
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Start by preparing the linguine according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously for flavor and cook the pasta until al dente.
Once done, drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water to help thin the sauce later, if needed.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin steak with salt and black pepper, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Add a bit of oil to the skillet and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness and your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic.
stirring frequently to avoid burning. Let the garlic sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if necessary.
Cut the rested steak into thin slices against the grain, and then add the linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, add the sliced steak on top of the noodles and give everything one last toss. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese or freshly cracked black pepper if you like.
How to Make
Begin by boiling the linguine in salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to save some of the pasta water! Next, cook the steak in a hot skillet.
making sure it’s seasoned well and cooked to your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak and let it rest before slicing it thinly.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and simmer it to thicken. Stir in Parmesan to create a rich, creamy sauce, and season with black pepper and salt.
Once your sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well-coated in the creamy mixture.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water to loosen it up. Add the sliced steak on top, and your dish is ready to serve!
Variations
You can easily customize this dish to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out the linguine for any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
depending on your texture preference. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream.
If you’re not a fan of sirloin, try using ribeye or flank steak for a different texture and flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
To add a little extra zing to the dish, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the garlic flavor.
For a smoky twist, a little bit of smoked paprika can give the dish an interesting depth.
For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, and be sure to check the steak seasoning for any hidden gluten.
You can also make the sauce dairy-free by swapping the butter and cream with coconut oil and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
For a lighter take on the sauce, you can reduce the amount of cream and increase the amount of broth, adding a bit more garlic or onions for flavor.
Another option is to use a low-fat cream cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy creaminess that still pairs well with steak.
If you want to add a fresh kick to the dish, squeeze some lemon juice over the noodles just before serving. It will balance out the richness of the garlic butter sauce with a refreshing citrus note.
To make the dish even more indulgent, top it with crispy bacon or pancetta. This adds a smoky crunch that complements the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the steak.
Tips
To ensure your steak is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for about 130°F, and for medium, go for 140°F.
When cooking the steak, let it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the skillet. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak when sliced.
To make sure your pasta doesn’t stick together, stir it occasionally while cooking and use enough water. The pasta should move freely in the pot to avoid clumping.
Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining your linguine. It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency later, especially if it becomes too thick while cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often doesn’t melt as well or have the same depth of flavor as freshly grated cheese.
For a quicker meal, you can prep the steak and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and steak.
If you’re short on time, consider slicing the steak into smaller pieces before cooking, which will help it cook faster and more evenly. This also makes it easier to toss with the noodles.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is the perfect blend of indulgent flavors and satisfying textures, making it a meal that everyone will love.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a special treat, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s rich, creamy, and packs a punch of savory goodness from the steak, making it a great option for any occasion.
With endless variations and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your repertoire for when you’re craving something comforting yet a little bit special.
Enjoy this dish with loved ones and savor the flavors that come together in just one pan.