Creamy steak pasta was never something I planned—it just happened one evening when I had a leftover steak from the night before and a serious craving for something rich and comforting and I didn’t want to waste a good piece of meat so I decided to slice it thinly and toss it over creamy fettuccine. That first bite with the juicy steak and garlicky parmesan sauce had me hooked and it instantly became one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level without much fuss.

Now, whenever I want to impress someone or treat myself to a cozy but fancy-feeling meal, I turn to this recipe and the combination of seared steak over silky noodles is just unbeatable and I love how the flavors come together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Fettuccine – Wide enough to soak up all that creamy sauce.
Steak (sirloin or ribeye) – Tender and juicy, perfect when sliced over pasta.
Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
Heavy cream – The base of that luscious, rich sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Melts in for that classic salty, nutty flavor.
Butter – Gives the sauce a velvety richness and helps cook the garlic.
Olive oil – Great for searing the steak to a beautiful crust.
Salt and pepper – Enhances the steak and balances the creaminess.
Parsley – For a fresh pop of color and a final herby finish.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – I use it to sear the steak and make the sauce all in one pan.
Pot – For boiling the fettuccine to the perfect texture.
Tongs – Great for flipping the steak and tossing the pasta.
Knife and cutting board – Essential for slicing the steak thinly after resting.
Cheese grater – Fresh parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
Measuring cups/spoons – Helps keep everything balanced and just right.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente. I make sure to save a bit of the pasta water before draining in case I need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, I pat the steak dry, season it with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. I let it rest on a cutting board while I make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, I lower the heat and melt the butter. I add the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Once the cream thickens slightly, I stir in the grated parmesan until it melts into the sauce. I season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

I add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and silky. If the sauce is too thick, I stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

I slice the rested steak thinly against the grain, then lay it on top of the pasta. A final sprinkle of parsley and some cracked black pepper makes it ready to serve!

Tips

If I’m cooking for guests, I like to use ribeye for maximum tenderness, but sirloin or NY strip also work great. To elevate the sauce even more, I sometimes add a splash of white wine before the cream. And if you want a spicy twist, a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way.

Ways to Serve

As a main dish for a date night or dinner party

With a glass of red wine and a crisp salad on the side

Topped with extra parmesan for a bold cheesy finish

With garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the sauce

As a fancy weeknight dinner when you’re craving something rich

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Steak Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the pasta and steak separately, then reheat gently to keep the steak tender.

What kind of steak is best for Creamy Steak Pasta?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak all work well—just cook it to your preferred doneness.

Can I use milk instead of cream in Creamy Steak Pasta?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich—add a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken it.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Creamy Steak Pasta a spot on your dinner rotation! It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes special but comes together so easily. Let me know how yours turns out or what steak cut you tried—I always love hearing from fellow pasta lovers.

Happy Cooking!