Steak pasta recipes are a perfect fusion of two beloved dishes: steak and pasta. Combining the tender, juicy goodness of steak with the comforting texture of pasta, this dish offers endless possibilities for flavor combinations and variations. Whether you’re craving a rich, creamy sauce or a simple, garlic-infused creation, steak pasta has something to satisfy every palate. In this guide, we’ll explore the best steak cuts, essential ingredients, and five mouthwatering steak pasta recipes you must try. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to cook your perfect steak pasta dish.
What Makes Steak Pasta Recipes So Popular?
Steak pasta recipes have surged in popularity in recent years, combining two crowd-pleasing foods into one delicious dish. But why is this combination so irresistible?
1. Versatility
Steak pasta recipes can be made with various cuts of steak, different types of pasta, and a wide range of sauces. This versatility makes it easy to experiment and find a combination that suits your tastes.
2. Comfort Food
Both steak and pasta are classic comfort foods. When combined, they create a hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying. Whether you prefer a creamy sauce, a tomato-based one, or a simple olive oil drizzle, steak pasta recipes offers a comforting experience.
3. Nutrient-Rich
Steak provides essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, while pasta offers carbohydrates for energy. Together, they make for a balanced meal that’s not only tasty but also nutritious.
4. Quick & Easy
Steak pasta recipes are quick to prepare, often taking just under 30 minutes, depending on the recipe. This makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
The Best Types of Steak for Pasta Recipes
When making steak pasta, the type of steak you choose will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Here’s a breakdown of the best steak cuts for your pasta:
1. Ribeye Steak vs. Sirloin Steak for Pasta
- Ribeye Steak: Known for its rich marbling, ribeye is one of the most flavorful cuts. Its tender, juicy texture makes it a fantastic option for steak pasta, especially in creamy or rich sauces. Ribeye’s fat content enhances the flavor, making it ideal for indulgent recipes.
- Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is a leaner cut with a slightly firmer texture compared to ribeye. While less fatty, it still delivers great flavor and works well in steak pasta recipes, particularly with lighter sauces like garlic butter or tomato-based sauces.
2. Flank Steak and Skirt Steak: Budget-Friendly Options
- Flank Steak: This is a lean and flavorful cut. Though it’s a bit tougher than ribeye, it’s perfect for slicing thin and pairing with pasta. It’s also budget-friendly, making it a great option if you’re cooking for a group.
- Skirt Steak: Similar to flank steak but a bit thinner, skirt steak has a strong, beefy flavor. Like flank steak, it benefits from being sliced thinly and works well in pasta dishes with bold, savory flavors.
3. How to Prepare Steak for Pasta: Tips and Tricks
- Searing: Sear your steak in a hot skillet to create a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. For best results, use a cast-iron pan.
- Resting: Always let your steak rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy steak.
- Slicing: Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. This makes each bite easier to chew and ensures even distribution in your pasta.
Essential Ingredients for Steak Pasta Recipes
A steak pasta recipes aren’t complete without the right combination of ingredients. Here are the essential elements to make your dish pop:
1. Types of Pasta to Pair with Steak
- Fettuccine: The wide, flat ribbons of fettuccine are perfect for creamy steak pasta sauces. They hold the sauce well and provide a smooth texture.
- Pappardelle: This extra-wide pasta is ideal for hearty steak dishes with thick sauces. Its broad shape complements large cuts of steak and adds a satisfying chew.
- Penne or Rigatoni: Shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni are great when you want a more bite-sized option. Their tube-like shape also holds sauce wonderfully.
2. Sauces to Complement Steak in Pasta
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: A rich, buttery sauce that pairs perfectly with the boldness of steak.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Simple yet delicious, this sauce enhances the steak’s natural flavors while adding a garlicky, savory depth.
- Red Wine Sauce: A reduction of red wine, beef broth, and herbs creates a sophisticated sauce that complements steak beautifully.
- Pesto Sauce: For a more vibrant and herbaceous twist, pesto sauce adds freshness to the dish.
3. Vegetables and Herbs for Flavor
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down perfectly in a creamy sauce, adding color and nutrition.
- Fresh Basil: Basil’s aromatic, slightly sweet flavor is perfect for fresh pasta dishes with steak.
- Bell Peppers: Add color and a sweet crunch to your steak pasta recipes with sautéed bell peppers.
How to Make a Classic Steak and Pasta Recipe
A classic steak pasta recipes should be simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Here’s how you can create a delicious steak pasta dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut)
- 300g fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, then top with sliced steak. Garnish with fresh parsley.
5 Delicious Variations of Steak Pasta Recipes You Need to Try
Steak pasta recipes are endlessly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors, sauces, and even global cuisines. In this section, we’ll explore five unique variations of steak pasta that range from classic comfort food to bold, exciting flavor combinations. Each recipe will include clear, step-by-step instructions so you can easily recreate these delicious dishes at home.
1. Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
This Garlic Butter Steak Pasta recipe is rich, buttery, and packed with flavor. The combination of succulent steak and a creamy, garlic-infused butter sauce will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (or your choice of steak)
- 300g fettuccine pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, then sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Top with the sliced steak, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
2. Steak and Mushroom Pasta
For those who love earthy flavors, Steak and Mushroom Pasta is the perfect dish. The mushrooms add depth to the sauce, complementing the richness of the steak.
Ingredients:
- 2 sirloin steaks
- 250g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove the steaks from the pan, let them rest, and slice them thinly.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the mushroom sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Top and Serve: Add the sliced steak to the pasta and stir gently. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few more fresh thyme leaves for garnish.
3. Steak Fajita Pasta
Craving a Tex-Mex twist? This Steak Fajita Pasta is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the boldness of fajitas with the comfort of pasta. A perfect way to spice up your pasta night!
Ingredients:
- 2 flank steaks
- 300g spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Rub the flank steaks with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the steaks for 4–5 minutes on each side until medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Sauté the Veggies: While the steak rests, heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed veggies and toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Steak: Place the sliced steak on top of the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Top with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
4. Creamy Parmesan Steak Pasta
For a luxurious take on steak pasta, this Creamy Parmesan Steak Pasta recipes features a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with tender steak.
Ingredients:
- 2 New York strip steaks
- 300g pappardelle pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pappardelle in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Season the strip steaks with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Finish the Dish: Place the sliced steak on top of the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan for a more indulgent experience.
5. Steak Pasta Primavera
If you’re looking for a lighter steak pasta option, this Steak Pasta Primavera is a great choice. Packed with fresh vegetables and a light, tangy sauce, it’s perfect for a spring or summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 flank steaks
- 300g spaghetti or linguine
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Steps:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Season the flank steaks with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear for about 4–5 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes and slice thinly.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
- Top with Steak: Add the sliced steak to the pasta, toss, and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
How to Customize Your Steak Pasta for Different Diets
1. Low-Carb Steak Pasta (Keto-Friendly)
Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower pasta to create a keto-friendly version of steak pasta.
2. Gluten-Free Steak Pasta
There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available, from rice-based pasta to quinoa pasta. Swap these in for a gluten-free dish.
3. Vegetarian-Friendly Steak Pasta
Try using plant-based steak alternatives or hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms as a meat substitute for a vegetarian steak pasta.
Pairing Wine and Steak Pasta: What to Drink?
When it comes to pairing wine with steak pasta, you’ll want to choose a wine that complements the rich flavors of the steak.
Best Wine Pairings:
- Red Wine: A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works wonderfully with steak pasta, especially those with rich, creamy sauces.
- Chianti: The acidity in Chianti pairs well with steak pasta recipes featuring tomato-based sauces or grilled steak.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water or iced tea can be refreshing, especially for lighter steak pasta dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Steak Pasta
- Overcooking the Steak: Steak should be cooked to your preferred doneness, but avoid overcooking it, as it will become tough.
- Choosing the Wrong Pasta for the Sauce: Ensure that the pasta you choose matches the sauce’s texture. For example, creamy sauces pair best with wide pasta like fettuccine.
- Not Letting the Steak Rest: Allow your steak to rest after cooking so the juices can redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
FAQs About Steak Pasta Recipes
Can I Use Leftover Steak for Pasta?
Yes! Leftover steak can be a great addition to pasta. Just slice it thinly and toss it into your pasta with your choice of sauce.
What’s the Best Pasta Sauce for Steak?
The best pasta sauce depends on your preferences. For a classic combination, creamy Alfredo or garlic butter sauce works well with steak.
Can I Cook Steak Pasta recipes in One Pan?
Yes! You can cook steak, pasta, and sauce all in one pan. Start by searing the steak, then use the same pan to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce.
Final Thoughts: Steak Pasta Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Steak pasta recipes are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization. From creamy sauces to bold, savory flavors, there’s a steak pasta recipes for every occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, steak pasta is sure to satisfy. Get creative with your choice of steak, pasta, and sauces, and enjoy experimenting with new combinations. Bon appétit!
