Garlic Steak Pasta

$- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using fresh, quality ingredients for garlic steak pasta. The fettuccine is the perfect base for this dish. It holds the sauce well and gives you that nice bite. Flank steak or sirloin adds a rich flavor. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender. Garlic is a key player here. It brings a warm aroma and deep taste. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. They soften and burst, making the sauce more vibrant. Spinach adds a nice green touch and boosts nutrition. Heavy cream is essential for a creamy sauce. It helps blend all the flavors and makes it rich. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives a slight kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance every ingredient. Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish. They add fragrance and a touch of freshness. Using these ingredients will make your garlic steak pasta a true delight. - Step 1: Boiling and draining fettuccine Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook as the package says, until it is al dente. When done, drain the pasta and save about ½ cup of the water. - Step 2: Reserving pasta water for sauce This starchy water helps make the sauce creamy. Set it aside for later. - Step 3: Heating oil and seasoning the steak While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Season the sliced steak with salt and black pepper. - Step 4: Cooking the steak until golden brown When the oil shimmers, add the steak in one layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the steak and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm. - Step 5: Sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells great. - Step 6: Adding cherry tomatoes and spinach Next, add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Stir in fresh spinach leaves until just wilted. - Step 7: Incorporating heavy cream and steak Turn the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Add the cooked steak back into the skillet. - Step 8: Merging pasta with sauce and adjusting consistency Now, add the cooked fettuccine and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it’s creamy. To cook the best al dente pasta, use a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the fettuccine and stir it well. Follow the package instructions, but test the pasta a minute early. It should be firm but not hard. Drain and save some pasta water for later. When cooking steak, aim for the right doneness. For medium-rare, cook flank steak for about 4-6 minutes total. A meat thermometer should read 130°F. Adjust cooking time for your preferred doneness. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs and spices. Basil, parsley, or oregano can make your dish more exciting. Experiment with garlic powder or even a dash of lemon zest for zing. For cheese variations, try using pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of feta. These cheeses add unique flavors and textures to your pasta. For a stunning plate, twirl the pasta using a fork before serving. This creates a beautiful nest of noodles. Place the steak slices on top for a nice display. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. A little drizzle of olive oil can enhance the look and flavor too. Aim for a colorful plate that invites everyone to dig in. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in garlic steak pasta. If you prefer chicken, use thin slices of chicken breast. Simply sear it like the steak. For shrimp lovers, add peeled shrimp to the sauce. Cook them until they turn pink. If you want a vegetarian version, tofu is a great choice. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it until golden. Mushrooms also work well. Slice them and cook until they are tender and juicy. Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can switch it up. Linguine or spaghetti are both tasty options. They will hold the sauce well, making every bite delicious. If gluten is a concern, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands available. Just cook them according to package instructions for the best results. The creamy sauce is great, but you can play with it. Try different cream alternatives, like half-and-half or coconut cream. These options will add unique flavors to your dish. Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and taste. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli make great additions. You can also spice things up. A pinch of paprika or a dash of lemon juice can elevate the flavor. Store your garlic steak pasta in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Avoid packing it too tightly. This helps to keep the pasta from clumping together. You can freeze garlic steak pasta for up to three months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm up. This keeps the flavors and texture nice. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it from drying out. Can I make garlic steak pasta in advance? Yes, you can make garlic steak pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and steak, then store them in separate containers. Keep the sauce in another container. When you're ready to eat, heat everything up together. Add a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce. How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough? To keep the steak tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers. Also, avoid overcooking it. Cook just until it’s browned and no longer pink. Let it rest before slicing to keep juices in. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet? No, but you can easily make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. Check the sauce ingredients for any hidden gluten. Most of the other ingredients are gluten-free, but always read labels. Can I make a dairy-free version of this dish? Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. What sides pair well with garlic steak pasta? Garlic steak pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread also makes a great side. You can serve roasted vegetables for a healthy contrast. These sides will enhance the meal and add extra flavors. Can this dish be served as a meal prep option? Yes, garlic steak pasta is great for meal prep. Store servings in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water for moisture. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious garlic steak pasta. We covered essential ingredients like fettuccine, steak, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking, seasoning, and combining each element. We also shared tips for enhancing flavors and making variations. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Adjust the recipe to fit your tastes. With a few simple steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses anyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Satisfy your cravings with this Garlic Steak Pasta Delight, a perfect blend of juicy steak and creamy sauce over fettuccine. This quick and easy recipe is packed with flavor, featuring garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a delightful twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!

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Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for a fragrant garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, being sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

Sear the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced steak generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. When the oil is shimmering, add the steak to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on one side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the steak and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a plate, tenting with foil to keep warm.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they are just wilted. Reintroduce the cooked steak to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.

Finish the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well wrapped in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serve: Divide the garlic steak pasta between plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if you desire a cheesier flavor.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4