Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a meal that's both comforting and a little bit fancy, this Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is about to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy steak is seared to perfection and draped in rich, garlicky butter, then served alongside luscious Parmesan rigatoni for the ultimate weeknight dinner or special occasion treat. Whether you're cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers serious flavor and restaurant-quality results at home. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Quick and easy to prepare—on the table in under 40 minutes!
• Rich, garlicky flavors complement the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly.
• Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy date night at home.
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients with gourmet flair.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for a next-day treat!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• 2 (8 oz) boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions: How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
3. Add steaks to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
4. Add 2 tablespoons butter and half of the minced garlic to the pan in the last minute of cooking, basting the steaks with melted garlic butter.
5. Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (usually 11-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the rest of the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Add cooked rigatoni and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Serve It Up

1. Slice the rested steaks against the grain.
2. Plate the creamy Parmesan rigatoni, top with sliced steak, and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately!

Notes for the Best Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Let your steaks come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even searing (more on steak temperatures).
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, silkiest sauce—pre-shredded won't melt as smoothly.
• Try finishing your pasta in the sauce for that classic Italian texture (see technique here).

Variations of Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Mushroom Lover's Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta sauce for earthy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Toss fresh basil and thyme into the rigatoni for an aromatic touch.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and sirloin or flank steak for lower fat.

Required Equipment for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Small saucepan for sauce
• Tongs
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions for Leftover Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Add roasted asparagus or garlic green beans on the side for extra veggies.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Always slice steak against the grain to maximize tenderness (learn how here).
• Let the sauce and pasta cook together for 1-2 minutes to help the rigatoni absorb creamy flavor.
• Resting steak after cooking keeps juices in and prevents dryness.

FAQ: Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! New York strip or filet mignon work beautifully here—just adjust cooking time based on thickness.

Can I make the Parmesan rigatoni sauce ahead?

You can prep the sauce up to a day in advance—gently reheat and toss with fresh-cooked pasta just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free rigatoni to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

★★★★★ 4.00 from 101 ratings

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

yield: 4 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 25 mins

total: 45 mins

A decadent dinner featuring tender garlic butter-seared steak served over creamy Parmesan rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into strips
• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2
   Season the steak strips with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sear the steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. 3
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. 5
   Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Return the steak strips to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
6. 6
   Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 720cal

Protein: 38 gg

Fat: 38 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 56 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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