If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, Garlic Steak Pasta is your new go-to dinner recipe. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly seared steak with a luscious garlic-infused sauce, all tossed with tender pasta for a meal bursting with rich, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing someone special, this recipe is quick to pull together and delivers big on taste every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, steak, and herbs is irresistibly delicious.
One-Pan Magic: Easy cleanup thanks to minimal cookware use.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to what’s in your fridge or pantry.
Comfort Food Upgrade: Turns classic steak and pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Steak Pasta recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that combine to make a truly memorable meal. Each component plays a crucial role—steak for rich protein, garlic for that signature aroma, pasta for comfort, and herbs for a fresh finish.

Steak: Choose your favorite cut like sirloin or ribeye for juicy tenderness.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work beautifully, holding sauce well.
Fresh Garlic: Plenty of minced garlic to bring bold, aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: High-quality oil to sauté garlic enhancing richness and depth.
Butter: Adds creaminess and balances garlic’s intensity perfectly.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil for a bright, herbal contrast.
Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty sprinkle to finish the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both steak and pasta just right.

Variations for Garlic Steak Pasta

Making Garlic Steak Pasta your own is incredibly easy—swap ingredients or boost textures according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some tasty ways to make this dish uniquely yours.

Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
Spicy Kick: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes to give the pasta a subtle heat.
Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to lighten the dish.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
Budget-Friendly: Use flank steak or skirt steak instead of ribeye to save without sacrificing flavor.

Easy Garlic Steak Pasta for Dinner Tonight

How to Make Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Slice your steak into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Mince garlic finely. Bring salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season steak strips with salt and pepper, then sear until browned and cooked to your liking, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove steak and let it rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter along with minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes—be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta

Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, then return the steak strips to the pan. Mix well to coat everything evenly with the garlicky sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Add chopped fresh parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Give it a final toss and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Steak Pasta

Don’t Overcook Steak: Keep cooking time short to maintain juicy, tender steak strips.
Use Fresh Garlic: It has a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Warm Your Serving Bowls: Keeps pasta hot longer and enhances the dining experience.
Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender steak texture.

How to Serve Garlic Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of color and freshness to the plate. Grated parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate both flavor and presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Steak Pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta twirled neatly on the plate with steak strips artfully arranged on top. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of red and a hint of spice for a restaurant-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the steak’s tenderness, slice before storing if not already done.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat Garlic Steak Pasta on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and prevent the steak from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Garlic Steak Pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are ideal, penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni all work well with the garlicky sauce and steak.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Ribeye, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak are all fantastic choices depending on your budget and preference for tenderness or flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap the steak for grilled mushrooms or marinated tofu to maintain the hearty and savory elements without meat.

How much garlic should I use for a balanced flavor?

About 4-5 cloves minced provide a robust garlic taste without overpowering the dish; adjust to suit your taste buds!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats well and makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s quick to finish on busy days.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Steak Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together fast enough for any weeknight. With its bold garlic flavor, tender steak, and comforting pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Garlic Steak Pasta

Print Recipe

Garlic Steak Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining juicy, seared steak with a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Author: Barbara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, sliced thinly against the grain
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Salt, for pasta water

Garlic Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Finishing Touches

1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Mince the garlic finely. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season the sliced steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak strips for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
Build the Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine Steak and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Return the steak strips to the pan and toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce.
Finish and Garnish: Stir in chopped fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the steak; keep cooking time short for juicy, tender strips.
Use fresh garlic for a vibrant, bold flavor.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
Warm serving bowls to keep the pasta hot longer.
Slice steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 700 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: garlic steak pasta, steak pasta, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, one-pan meal, easy steak recipe