This indulgent Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta combines tender ribeye steak with a velvety, cheesy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s an impressive yet simple dish perfect for date night, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving something truly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy steak and creamy pasta that feels both indulgent and comforting. This Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly little effort, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight splurges.

The rich, velvety sauce wraps around each piece of ridged rigatoni, while perfectly seasoned ribeye steak adds a savory depth that elevates this dish beyond ordinary pasta recipes. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night dinner, a Valentine’s Day feast, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this creamy steak pasta won’t disappoint.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Enjoy it during cold winter evenings when you crave something hearty and warming, or make it in summer and cook the steaks on the grill for a delicious twist. The combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta combines simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavor:

• Ribeye Steak: The star of the show with its beautiful marbling that ensures each bite is tender and juicy
• Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth that complements the steak perfectly
• Dried Parsley: Brings a gentle herbaceous note to the seasoning blend
• Olive Oil: Perfect for creating that beautiful sear on the steak
• Butter: Adds richness while basting the steak and forms the base of our sauce
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
• Onion: Creates a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the dish with that irresistible garlic flavor
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture we’re looking for
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty element while helping to thicken the sauce
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor
• Rigatoni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto our creamy sauce
• White Wine (optional): Adds acidity and depth to the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Steaks

1. Season the steaks: Generously coat both sides of your ribeye steaks with paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure even coverage.
2. Prep your ingredients: While the steaks absorb those flavors, prepare the remaining ingredients. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, chop the fresh parsley, and grate the Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Your Steaks to Perfection

3. Sear the steaks: Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s screaming hot (about 1 minute). Place your seasoned ribeye steaks in the hot pan and sear for just 1 minute on each side until you’ve got a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4. Butter baste: Add a knob of butter to the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for an additional minute. This adds flavor while helping to create that perfect crust.
5. Rest the meat: Remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside to rest. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Creating the Pasta and Sauce

6. Cook the pasta: While the steaks are resting, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still with a slight bite).
7. Start the sauce: In the same pan used for the steaks (don’t waste those flavorful drippings!), add a bit more butter. Sauté the diced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
8. Optional wine deglazing: If using white wine, add it now to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This is also a good time to add a sprinkle more paprika for extra depth.

Bringing It All Together

9. Create the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat, allowing the sauce to begin thickening.
10. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
11. Combine with pasta: Once the rigatoni is cooked, drain it (reserving some pasta water) and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss in most of the chopped fresh parsley and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
12. Add the steak: Slice the rested ribeye steaks into bite-sized cubes or thin strips. Plate the creamy rigatoni and top each serving with the seared steak pieces.
13. Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps with some garlic bread on the side for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Expert Tips for Success

• Let the steaks rest: Don’t skip the resting time for your steaks! This 5-10 minute period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
• Reserve pasta water: Always save some of the starchy pasta water before draining. This magical ingredient can help thin out your sauce if needed while adding body and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: For the best texture, cook the rigatoni just until al dente (still slightly firm when bitten). The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate your Parmesan fresh.

Delicious Variations to Try

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the creamy elements. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference.

Deluxe Version

Upgrade to filet mignon for an extra-special occasion. Add some caramelized onions cooked in butter and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to elevate this already impressive dish.

Veggie-Packed Option

Add some color and nutrition by incorporating red bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add wonderful complementary flavors.

Extra Garlicky

For true garlic lovers, add some garlic powder to the steak seasoning and baste the steaks with whole garlic cloves in the butter for an intense garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Vegetarian and Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with thick slices of Portobello mushrooms seasoned and cooked the same way as the steak.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

For the best results when storing leftovers:

• Store the pasta and steak separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When reheating the steak, do so gently in a pan over medium-low heat with a small amount of butter to maintain moisture.
• Reheat the pasta and sauce on low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken stock to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from separating.
• For microwave reheating, use a lower power setting and cover with a microwave-safe lid, heating in short intervals and stirring between each one.
• I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate when thawed and the texture of the steak could suffer.

Perfect Pairings

This rich, indulgent pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti
• Roasted asparagus or green beans for a simple vegetable side

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep pasta sauce creamy when reheating?

The key to maintaining a creamy texture when reheating is low, gentle heat and adding a splash of liquid (cream, milk, or broth) to refresh the sauce. Stir continuously to prevent separation and avoid high heat which can cause the sauce to break.

Is pasta and steak a good combo?

Absolutely! The rich, savory flavors of steak complement the creamy pasta perfectly. The starch in the pasta balances the protein in the steak, while the sauce ties everything together for a complete and satisfying meal.

What does garlic Parmesan sauce taste like?

Garlic Parmesan sauce has a rich, savory flavor profile with a pronounced garlic punch and the nutty, salty notes from the Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream adds a luxurious mouthfeel that makes it irresistibly indulgent.

Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

This indulgent and satisfying garlic parmesan steak pasta features a rich, velvety sauce paired with tender, flavorful ribeye steak. A restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 776 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 57.9g
• Protein: 42.7g
• Fat: 41.5g
• Cholesterol: 156.2mg
• Sodium: 483.1mg
• Potassium: 498.6mg
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugar: 4.7g

Enjoy this delicious restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

I’ve created this indulgent Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta recipe with detailed instructions to help you create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of tender ribeye steak and creamy, cheese-laden pasta makes for a truly memorable dining experience.

What makes this recipe special is how the rich, savory steak complements the velvety pasta sauce, creating a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Have you tried combining steak and pasta before? If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments! And don’t forget to tag your creations on social media so we can all enjoy your culinary success.