Name: Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb. New York strip steak; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons oregano; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ teaspoon salt; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta (or traditional pasta if no gluten allergy); 3 tablespoons butter (dairy-free butter used, can substitute regular butter); 2 tablespoons onion paste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream (dairy-free cream used, can substitute regular heavy cream); 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or regular flour if no gluten allergy); 4 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 45 reviews

There is nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of a creamy pasta dish elevated with succulent steak and a luscious garlic sauce. This Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of tender, juicy New York strip steak and perfectly cooked penne tossed in a dreamy, cheesy garlic sauce that feels indulgent yet approachable enough for a weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you’ll experience with each bite, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and your next favorite go-to meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw red steaks with visible marbling lay side by side on a dark brown wooden board. Each steak is covered with a thick layer of dry spices, including a reddish powder and green dried herbs, spread evenly across the top surface. Small bits of the seasoning spill slightly onto the board around the steaks. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish starts with fantastic ingredients, and for this recipe, each component plays an essential role. From the boldly seasoned steak to the creamy sauce ingredients and gluten-free penne, these staples come together to deliver the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color that makes the dish truly memorable.

New York strip steak (1 ½ lb): The star protein, tender and flavorful, providing juicy bites throughout the dish.

Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps sear the steak to a perfect crust and adds richness without overpowering flavors.
Smoked paprika (2 tsp): Adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.
Oregano (2 tsp): Brings an herby brightness to the steak seasoning.

Garlic powder (2 tsp): Enhances garlic flavor whether in dry rub or sauce.
Thyme (1 tsp): Offers an earthy aroma that elevates the overall profile.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds the right amount of kick to balance richness.

Salt (¾ tsp): Essential for seasoning to bring out all flavors.
Gluten-free penne (12 oz): The perfect pasta base, al dente texture carries the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter (3 tbsp): Adds silkiness to the sauce and helps build depth.

Onion paste (2 tbsp): For subtle sweetness and complexity in the sauce.
Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A classic medley that complements garlic and steak with herbal notes.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Fresh garlic seasoning for that punch of flavor.

Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds a savory base to the creamy sauce, balancing richness.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Gluten-free flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce for perfect coating of pasta and steak.

Parmesan cheese (4 oz shredded): The final touch that melts into the sauce giving nutty, salty complexity.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water following the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Drain it carefully and set it aside—this pasta will soak up all the creamy garlic goodness later, so keeping it slightly firm is key.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Mix together smoked paprika, salt, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously coat both sides of your New York strip steak with this fragrant dry rub, ensuring every inch is covered. This seasoning blend gives the steak that restaurant-worthy flavor you’ll love.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat your frying pan over medium with the olive oil until it’s hot enough that you can only hold your hand three inches above the pan briefly before feeling the heat. Sear the seasoned steak for 4 minutes on each side. Cooking to an internal temperature between 135 to 165 degrees, depending on your preferred doneness, will keep the steak juicy and tender. Remove from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board—resting locks in those precious juices.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same pan, capturing all those tasty browned bits left from the steak. Add Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion paste, and minced garlic, cooking everything together for about a minute to awaken those flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour, whisking thoroughly to combine and scrape any fond from the pan’s surface. Then slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while continuing to whisk, cooking until the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency—typically 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce with Parmesan

Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted, creating an irresistibly cheesy, velvety sauce. Allow it to cook gently for another minute or two to blend all the flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat and gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is luxuriously coated. Slice your rested steak thinly, then add it into the pan, mixing everything well together. Now your Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is ready to be plated and devoured!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with creamy pasta mixed with pieces of cooked meat. The pasta is light beige and tube-shaped, coated in a smooth, light brown sauce. Scattered throughout the pasta are medium-sized pieces of browned meat with a slightly pink center. On top, there are small green herb leaves sprinkled evenly, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface creating a clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil brighten the creamy richness visually and add a pop of freshness on the palate. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper right at the table brings an elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

To complement the rich pasta, lighter sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables are perfect. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can also be wonderful if you want to keep the indulgence flowing and soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with steak slices fanned out beautifully and a drizzle of extra sauce. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can provide guests with a bright citrus boost if they like a sharp counterpoint to the creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and reheating with a splash of milk or broth will revive the creaminess splendidly.

Freezing

You can freeze the creamy garlic steak pasta in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to three months. Because of the cream sauce, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little bit of milk, broth, or cream helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much, keeping your Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe perfectly luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While New York strip is perfect for this recipe because of its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or sirloin would also work beautifully to deliver juicy, flavorful pieces.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, simply choose dairy-free butter and heavy cream alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to create a similarly creamy texture without dairy.

What pasta can I substitute if I don’t have penne?

Any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even bow ties (farfalle) will hold the sauce well. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness in the final dish.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, gently warm the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta and steak slices.

How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer helps a lot—135 degrees Fahrenheit is medium-rare, 145 medium, and 155 medium-well. Rest the steak 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary day into something special with every forkful. It’s indulgent without being complicated, and the satisfying combination of steak and pasta in a velvety garlic sauce is guaranteed to become a new favorite. So grab your pan, gather the ingredients, and dive into this soul-satisfying comfort food—you deserve it!