Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is a bold, savory, and deeply satisfying one-pan meal that brings together perfectly seared steak, tender pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce—all infused with fresh herbs and just the right touch of Parmesan. It’s an elevated comfort dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests.

The juicy steak, cooked to your preferred doneness, pairs beautifully with al dente pasta and the velvety garlic butter sauce that coats every bite. The skillet method allows the pasta to absorb all the meaty, garlicky flavors, creating a dish that feels decadent yet approachable.

Whether you’re looking to use up a beautiful cut of steak or simply craving a satisfying skillet meal with bold flavors, Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is the perfect solution.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet

This dish is rich, flavorful, quick to make, and all cooked in a single skillet.

Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Combines juicy steak with a garlicky, buttery pasta sauce.
One-pan convenience for faster cleanup and maximum flavor.
Perfect for steak night with a comforting pasta twist.
Quick to prepare—ready in under 40 minutes.
Easily customizable with herbs, heat, or extra vegetables.

It’s a steakhouse-quality meal made simple at home.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

High-quality, fresh ingredients make this dish shine.

Steak

Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip are excellent choices for juicy, tender bites.
Thinly sliced steak cooks quickly and evenly in the skillet.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional steak seasoning.

Pasta

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well to hold the garlic butter sauce.
Short pasta like rigatoni is also great for capturing the sauce.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Fresh garlic is essential—use plenty for bold flavor.
Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.
Add a splash of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley, thyme, or rosemary bring brightness and aromatic depth.
Optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat.

Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding nutty, savory richness.

Recommended Equipment for This Recipe

Large skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to sear steak and toss pasta.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping steak and mixing pasta.
Pasta pot: For cooking pasta to al dente.
Ladle or measuring cup: For adding reserved pasta water.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Overcooked steak:
Cook steak quickly over high heat and remove from the pan to rest while finishing the pasta.

2. Garlic burning:
Cook garlic over medium heat and stir frequently. Add a splash of oil to protect the butter.

3. Sauce too dry:
Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.

4. Pasta clumping:
Toss pasta in the sauce immediately while it’s hot to coat evenly.

Flavor Enhancements and Creative Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach: For an earthy or fresh layer.
Use chili oil or red pepper flakes: To add a spicy kick.
Include a splash of white wine: To deglaze the pan and add brightness.
Finish with lemon zest or juice: To cut through the richness.
Top with crispy shallots or toasted breadcrumbs: For extra texture.

Smart Preparation Strategies

Prep all ingredients before starting: The dish comes together quickly once you begin.
Use pre-cooked pasta: For an even faster skillet meal.
Let steak rest before slicing: Ensures juicier, tender bites.

Substitution Guide for Dietary Needs

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-free: Substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.
Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
Vegetarian: Substitute steak with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based steak alternatives.

Ingredients

For the Steak

1 pound ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steak, sliced thin
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon steak seasoning or paprika

For the Pasta

8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
Reserved pasta water as needed

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Splash of white wine or lemon juice

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or thyme
Additional Parmesan cheese
Optional: Crispy shallots or toasted breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, and optional steak seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.

Optional: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return the steak slices to the pan and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and optional crispy shallots or toasted breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or warm focaccia.
Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Excellent alongside roasted asparagus or green beans.

Troubleshooting

Steak overcooked: Sear quickly and rest before slicing.
Garlic burned: Lower heat and stir frequently.
Sauce too thick: Add reserved pasta water to loosen.
Dish tastes flat: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or more Parmesan to brighten.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended—garlic butter sauce may separate.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or butter to loosen.

Variations: Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet vs. Classic Beef Stroganoff vs. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet: Steak and pasta coated in a garlicky butter sauce with Parmesan.
Classic Beef Stroganoff: Cream-based sauce with mushrooms and sour cream, typically served over egg noodles.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta: Often meatless, focusing on mushrooms and a creamy, Parmesan-based sauce.

Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is a luxurious, easy-to-make meal that brings together juicy steak, garlicky richness, and comforting pasta in one pan. It’s a steakhouse-inspired dish that’s perfect for when you want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free.