When buttery garlic, juicy seared steak, and creamy Parmesan noodles collide, the result is nothing short of magic—and that’s exactly what you get with these Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles. This quick and satisfying pasta dish is rich, savory, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or comfort food cravings, this is next-level steak and pasta without the wait.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is everything I want in a dinner: it’s quick, comforting, and indulgent without being complicated. You get:
- Perfectly seared sirloin
- Creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce
- Tender linguine noodles
- Bold, buttery flavor in every forkful
And it all comes together in one skillet with minimal prep. Total win.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine (or fettuccine/spaghetti)
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Swaps and Notes
- Steak options: Ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak all work well.
- Cream: Swap with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add-ins: Try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Pasta: Use whatever you have—penne, tagliatelle, or even ramen for a twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🔹 Step 2: Sear the Steak
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak strips with salt and pepper.
Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Once hot, sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak and set aside.
🔹 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan.
Add the Parmesan, black pepper, and a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
🔹 Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat well.
Return the steak to the pan and stir to combine everything.
Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use room-temp steak: It sears better and more evenly.
- Don’t overcook: Aim for medium or medium-rare for tender steak strips.
- Pasta water = gold: It helps loosen and emulsify the sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These lightning noodles pair well with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Blueberry Lemonade – balances the richness
- Dorito Casserole – for a flavor-packed dinner combo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – party platter style
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – because dessert matters
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezing not recommended: Creamy sauces don’t always reheat well after freezing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love bold flavors and easy comfort meals, try:
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are creamy, comforting, and packed with rich flavor—proof that an incredible dinner doesn’t have to take all night. Whether you serve them for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, they’re bound to be a repeat request.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show off your skillet magic—we’re always here for pasta that brings the heat! 🥩🍜🧄
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