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### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the process of creating this **delicious Garlic Butter Steak Pasta**.
#### Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente (firm to the bite), then drain and set aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water for later use—this starchy water can help thicken the sauce if necessary.
#### Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the steak. Pat your steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness and your preferred level of doneness). Once the steak is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the **unsalted butter** over medium heat. Add the **garlic** (minced or thinly sliced) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. At this point, add a few sprigs of **fresh thyme** or **rosemary** (optional) for additional flavor. If you want a slight tanginess, add a squeeze of **lemon juice**.
#### Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta
Slice the rested steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain to ensure tenderness. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce adhere. Add the steak slices into the mix and toss gently to combine.
#### Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the garlic butter steak pasta immediately on individual plates or in a large serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** and a generous sprinkle of **grated Parmesan cheese**. Optionally, drizzle a little extra olive oil or garlic butter over the top for added richness.
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### Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
– **Choose the Right Steak**: While ribeye is a popular choice, you can opt for other cuts like **strip steak**, **flank steak**, or **filet mignon**, depending on your preference and budget. Just make sure to cook the steak to your desired doneness.
– **Don’t Overcook the Steak**: Overcooked steak can become tough and dry. For a tender, juicy result, aim for medium-rare or medium doneness.
– **Use Fresh Garlic**: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Avoid using garlic powder or jarred garlic, as they don’t provide the same richness and aroma.
– **Pasta Water is Key**: When you’re mixing the pasta and steak with the garlic butter sauce, don’t forget to add some reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.
– **Customize the Vegetables**: You can add vegetables like **spinach**, **sun-dried tomatoes**, or **mushrooms** to the dish to add more flavor and color.
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### Creative Variations
While the classic version of **Garlic Butter Steak Pasta** is already perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize and make it your own.
1. **Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta**
For a creamier version, add **heavy cream** or **half-and-half** to the garlic butter sauce. This will create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and steak beautifully.
2. **Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta**
If you like a bit of heat, add some **crushed red pepper flakes** or a diced **jalapeño** to the sauce. The heat will balance nicely with the rich butter and steak.
3. **Vegetarian Garlic Butter Pasta**
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap the steak for grilled **portobello mushrooms** or **tofu**. These ingredients soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
4. **Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Pasta**
For a zesty twist, squeeze in some **lemon juice** and add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce. The citrus will brighten up the richness of the garlic butter and pair wonderfully with the steak.
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### Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a show-stopping dish that combines the best of steak, pasta, and garlic butter. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress with its rich flavor and satisfying textures. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create this mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
