Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

If there’s one dish that manages to feel like a big cozy hug in a bowl while looking beautiful enough for a dinner party, it’s this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe. Imagine twirls of perfectly cooked pasta tossed in buttery garlic sauce and studded with juicy, seared beef—every bite is loaded with irresistible richness, deep savory flavor, and a hint of sophistication. This is the kind of weeknight comfort food that’s fast enough for busy evenings but special enough to make memories around the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe so wonderful is how a short list of fresh, sensible ingredients combine to create something truly magical. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s building layers of flavor or adding color and crunch to every forkful.

• Beef sirloin strips: Choose well-marbled steak sliced against the grain for tenderness and a beefy punch in every bite.
• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti): Use your favorite long pasta; the silky sauce clings beautifully to every strand.
• Butter: Go for unsalted so you can control the salt later; this forms the luxurious, garlic-laced sauce that makes this recipe shine.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Lots of finely chopped garlic gives this dish its signature aroma—don’t be shy, let it perfume the whole kitchen.
• Parmesan cheese: Use a wedge and grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor; this adds creamy, salty depth.
• Fresh parsley: Just a handful, chopped, adds brightness and a pop of color to contrast the rich sauce.
• Olive oil: A drizzle for sautéing the beef ensures perfect browning and a hint of peppery taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer as you go, making sure the flavors sing.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of heat—a little sprinkle goes a long way.

How to Make Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a roiling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—usually a minute less than you think, as it’ll finish in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that glorious pasta water. It’s liquid gold and will help bring your Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe together at the end.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the beef strips in a single layer, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Let them sear undisturbed until a golden crust forms, then stir or flip and cook for another minute or two. Remove the beef to a plate so it stays juicy—no chewy, overcooked steak here!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet (don’t wipe it out; you want those delicious little browned bits for extra flavor). Add the chopped garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. If you’re using red pepper flakes, this is the time to toss them in for a gentle heat that perfumes the sauce.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Beef with the Sauce

Now, the magic happens. Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing it around in the garlicky butter. Pour in a splash or two of pasta water to loosen everything up and create a glossy sauce. Return the seared beef (and any juices) to the pan and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan. Toss everything until it’s glossy, creamy, and beautifully combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Scatter over fresh parsley and taste for seasoning—you’ll probably want another crack of black pepper. Plate up generous twirls and finish with extra Parmesan, a dash more parsley, or those leftover red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Your Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is all set for applause!

How to Serve Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with an extra handful of freshly grated Parmesan scattered over the top—just watch it melt into all the nooks and crannies. A final sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a garden-fresh touch and a little pop of pretty color. For anyone who loves a little fire, have a small bowl of red pepper flakes at the table so everyone can tailor their own spice level.

Side Dishes

This Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe truly is a meal on its own, but a couple of thoughtful sides can turn it into a real feast. Try a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve garlicky roasted vegetables for a hearty, flavor-packed plate. And if you’re a bread lover, some warm, crusty baguette is perfect for swooping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights, serve portions twirled into neat nests on warmed plates, topped with a big Parmesan crisp or elegant microgreens. If you’re feeding a crowd, bring the whole skillet to the table for a family-style dinner—there’s something so inviting about everyone serving themselves. Leftovers? Pack the pasta into lunchboxes with a wedge of lemon and more Parmesan for a show-stopping midday treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to save some of this irresistible Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe, stash it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will meld and deepen, making for an even more delicious second act—just be sure to cool it down before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. The sauce and beef will hold up well, just defrost overnight in the fridge and note that the pasta may soften a bit more after freezing. To help combat this, undercook the pasta slightly if you know you’ll be freezing some portions.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through, and finish with fresh parsley and a flurry of Parmesan for a just-cooked feel. The microwave will work in a pinch—just be careful not to overheat, as steak can toughen up quickly.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced skirt steak work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

What type of pasta works best for Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe?

Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine is ideal, as it soaks up the buttery garlic sauce and lets the seared beef nestle in between. Shorter shapes like penne also work in a pinch—use what you love!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You bet. Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your Parmesan is gluten-free (most are). The garlic butter sauce and beef are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy update.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

The best results come from cooking the pasta and searing the beef just before serving, but you can chop garlic, grate cheese, and slice beef in advance. Have everything ready to go and this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe will come together fast when guests arrive.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or blistered cherry tomatoes stir in beautifully. Just add them during the garlic butter step to layer up flavor and add a delicious veggie twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a little extra joy (and a lot of savory comfort) to your dinner table, this Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe will never let you down. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite—just wait for the requests for seconds!

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