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Steak and Pasta Pairing Tips and Recipes

Steak and Pasta Pairing Tips and Recipes

Discover the perfect harmony of tender, juicy steak paired with flavorful pasta in this versatile and easy recipe. Combining savory steak cuts with complementary pasta varieties and a creamy garlic-herb sauce, this dish offers balanced flavors, quick preparation, and an impressive presentation suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Steak

  • High-quality steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon) – 8 oz per serving
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Garlic cloves, minced – 2 cloves
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Butter – 1 tbsp

Pasta

  • Fresh or dried pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or penne) – 8 oz
  • Salt (for pasta water) – 1 tbsp
  • Reserved pasta cooking water – ½ cup

Sauce and Garnishes

  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves, minced – 2 cloves
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or basil), chopped – 2 tbsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp
  • Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup, plus extra for serving
  • Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Bring steak to room temperature. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear steak until a brown crust forms on both sides, cooking to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the pan and let rest for at least 5 minutes to retain juices.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan used for steak, add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in fresh herbs and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Gradually add reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  4. Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. Slice rested steak thinly against the grain. Arrange steak slices over or alongside the pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Notes

  • Rest your steak after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure tenderness.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency naturally.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice steak thinly for better texture and presentation.
  • Season steak and pasta water adequately for enhanced flavor depth.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and improve sauce adherence.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak pasta recipe, steak and pasta pairing, easy steak dinner, pasta with steak, garlic herb sauce, quick steak recipe