The Creamiest Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Culinary magic happens when a hearty skillet sweet & smoky garlic butter steak pasta meets your dinner table.

Savory aromas will instantly draw hungry companions toward the kitchen.

Tender meat mingles with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a comfort meal that speaks directly to your appetite.

Robust flavors dance across each forkful, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver an incredible meal you can confidently serve.

Prepare to be impressed by how quickly this delectable dish comes together.

Ingredients Included in Sweet Smoky Garlic Butter Pasta

• Steak Strips: Tender beef that provides rich protein and adds a hearty texture to the pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that absorbs the flavorful sauce and creates a satisfying meal.
• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for cooking the steak and creating a smooth sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the steak and creates depth in the dish.
• Barbecue Sauce: Contributes a sweet and smoky flavor profile that brings excitement to the pasta.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra meaty richness and helps create a more complex sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak and other ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a light herbal note to the final dish.

How to Prepare One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package directions. Once tender, drain the water and set the pasta aside while you prepare the delicious steak.

Step 2: Sear Steak to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter until it sizzles. Slide in the steak strips and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Let the meat develop a beautiful golden-brown crust by cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Magic

Toss in the minced garlic and swirl it around the pan.

Let the garlic dance and become wonderfully fragrant for about 1 minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Smoky Sauce

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Barbecue sauce

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, creating a rich and tantalizing sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy, smoky sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your one-skillet wonder!

Tips That Perfect Sweet Smoky Garlic Butter Pasta

• Cut against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth strips that ensure maximum flavor and softness.
• Use medium-high heat to prevent burning butter while achieving perfect golden-brown steak sear.
• Adjust cream and broth quantities to create a creamy sauce that perfectly coats pasta without being too thick or runny.
• Add minced garlic at the right moment to release intense flavor without burning or becoming bitter.
• Replace beef with chicken or plant-based strips for different dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious smoky profile.

Flavor Variations to Try on Garlic Butter Pasta

• Mediterranean Delight: Replace barbecue sauce with sun-dried tomato paste, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Swap barbecue sauce for chipotle sauce, include diced bell peppers, and top with sliced jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Substitute barbecue sauce with soy sauce and sesame oil, add sliced green onions, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an eastern touch.
• Creamy Mushroom Blend: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, replace half the beef broth with white wine, and mix in fresh thyme for an earthy, rich variation.

Pairings to Enjoy With Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

• Elevate Steak Pasta with Perfect Pairings
• Wine Companion: Choose a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the smoky steak and rich butter sauce, enhancing the meat's robust flavors.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy pasta and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the heavy dish.
• Roasted Veggie Partner: Serve charred asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add nutritious green elements that balance the steak's richness and provide textural variety.
• Crusty Bread Buddy: Include a warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal's overall experience.

Proper Storage for Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Carefully transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing steak pasta with cream-based sauce, as it may separate when thawed.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni that hold sauce well.

• What if I don't have barbecue sauce?

You can replace barbecue sauce with a mixture of ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for a similar sweet and smoky flavor.

• Is it possible to make this dish with chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs can be used as a direct replacement for steak, just adjust cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce to increase the heat level of the dish.

One-Skillet Sweet Smoky Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

• Quickly Satisfy Cravings: Dive into a mouthwatering one-skillet meal that combines juicy steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a single pan.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Blend sweet and smoky barbecue sauce with rich garlic butter and tender steak for an incredible taste experience that'll impress everyone at the table.
• Streamline Weeknight Cooking: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this smart one-skillet technique that saves time on cooking and cleanup, making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting sauce intensity, or adding extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

One-Skillet Sweet & Smoky Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent one-skillet sweet & smoky garlic butter steak pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, creating a rich meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary creativity with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound steak, cut into strips

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (your choice)
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high temperature, melt butter until slightly bubbling.
3. Add seasoned steak strips, sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized.
4. Reduce heat, introduce minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
5. Pour beef broth, heavy cream, and barbecue sauce into skillet, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and ingredients are well incorporated.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the rich, smoky mixture.
8. Let pasta absorb sauce for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while sauce is hot and steak remains tender and juicy.

Notes

• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and flavor development on the steak strips.
• Pat the steak dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like chicken or plant-based strips for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 674 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg