Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is a truly indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender steak and creamy pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience. The steak is infused with garlic butter, enhancing its natural juices, while the rigatoni is enveloped in a luscious Parmesan sauce. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for a satisfying meal that impresses family and friends alike.
Preparing the Necessary Ingredients
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak
Detailed List of Ingredients and Measurements
- Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)
- Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Detailed List of Ingredients and Measurements
- Rigatoni Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment Needed
Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment for the Recipe
To make this delightful dish, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl for garlic butter
- Whisk for stirring the sauce
- Tongs for flipping the steak
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step by Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Steak
Preparation of Steak
Cleaning and Seasoning
- Start by removing the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a nice sear.
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. You may also enhance the flavor by adding your favorite steak seasoning.
Cooking Methods
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan.
- Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned steaks into the skillet. Sear them without moving for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare.
- Flip the steaks using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add the garlic butter mixture to the skillet. Spoon the melting garlic butter over the steaks as they finish cooking.
Preparation of Garlic Butter
Steps to Make Garlic Butter
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Once your steaks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Reserve the remaining garlic butter in the skillet to enhance the flavor of the pasta sauce.
Step by Step Instructions to Make Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Preparation of Rigatoni Pasta
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency if necessary.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Preparation of Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Steps in Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the steak, add the olive oil and butter over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and sizzle.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until it becomes smooth and heated through.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combining the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the rich sauce.
- If desired, mix in some of the reserved garlic butter from earlier for extra flavor.
- Let the pasta heat through for 1-2 minutes on low heat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Recommended Sides and Garnishing
To complement your Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, consider serving a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans can also add a delicious touch. Garnish each plate with extra parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
Ideal Drinks to Go Along with Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Pair this meal with a bold red wine, such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, which beautifully complements the richness of the steak and the creamy pasta. Alternatively, a light-bodied beer or a refreshing iced tea can make excellent accompaniments.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Best Cuts of Steak for this Recipe
When making Garlic Butter Steak, opt for cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. These cuts are tender and flavorful, perfect for showcasing the garlic butter.
Tips on Achieving Perfect Al Dente Rigatoni
To achieve a perfect al dente pasta, follow the package instructions but check the pasta a minute or two early. It’s okay if it’s slightly firm; it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot sauce.
Storage, Reheating & Leftover Ideas
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating the rigatoni to maintain the sauce’s creaminess. Leftover garlic butter can also be drizzled over vegetables or spread on toasted bread.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on the Recipe
This delectable recipe for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
FAQs
What other types of steak can be used?
You can use various cuts of steak, including flank steak or T-bone, for different flavors and textures in your dish.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta of your choice—farfalle, penne, or even fettuccine would work well.
Is there a vegetarian version of Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni?
Yes! You can replace the steak with grilled mushrooms or portobellos and still enjoy the creamy rigatoni as a satisfying vegetarian dish.
Can I freeze the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the creamy rigatoni for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is a truly indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender steak and creamy pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Ingredients
2 ribeye steaks (approximately 1 inch thick), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme), Salt and pepper to taste, 12 ounces rigatoni pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Start by removing the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook evenly., Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a nice sear., Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. You may also enhance the flavor by adding your favorite steak seasoning., Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan., Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned steaks into the skillet. Sear them without moving for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare., Flip the steaks using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on desired doneness., During the last minute of cooking, add the garlic butter mixture to the skillet. Spoon the melting garlic butter over the steaks as they finish cooking., In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper., Mix until well combined., Once your steaks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes., Reserve the remaining garlic butter in the skillet to enhance the flavor of the pasta sauce., Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water., Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes., Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency if necessary., Drain the pasta and set aside., In the same skillet used for the steak, add the olive oil and butter over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and sizzle., Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until it becomes smooth and heated through., Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy., Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency., Add the cooked rigatoni to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the rich sauce., If desired, mix in some of the reserved garlic butter from earlier for extra flavor., Let the pasta heat through for 1-2 minutes on low heat before serving.
Notes
To complement your Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, consider serving a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans can also add a delicious touch. Garnish each plate with extra parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cool Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak, Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni, Indulgent Dish, Steak Recipe, Pasta Recipe