Alright, picture this: juicy steak, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles all in one dish. Now that is a meal that’ll make you want to eat every last bite and then some. These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are everything. You get the rich, savory flavor of steak paired with a silky garlic butter sauce that coats each noodle just perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually pretty easy to make. Trust me, once you’ve had this, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The steak is cooked to perfection and drenched in that irresistible garlic butter sauce—what’s not to love? The noodles soak up all that goodness, making every single bite burst with flavor.
Quick and Easy
Who doesn’t love a fast yet flavorful dish? This recipe comes together in no time, so you can impress your friends, family, or just treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.
Comfort Food with a Twist
While it’s definitely comforting (because, hello, garlic butter and steak), the noodles give it a unique, satisfying twist that takes it to the next level. You won’t want to stop eating.
One-Pan Wonder
It’s always nice when the cleanup is just as easy as the cooking, right? Since everything cooks together in one pan, it’s a breeze to make and even easier to clean up afterward.
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Ingredients
For the Steak:
- Steak: Ribeye, flank, or sirloin—whatever cut you prefer. The steak is the heart of this dish, and you want something tender and juicy to really make it shine.
- Garlic Powder: To add that warm, savory flavor right to the steak.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple, but essential for seasoning the steak to perfection.
- Olive Oil: To sear the steak, giving it that golden-brown crust.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter: The key to the creamy, dreamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves for that bold, aromatic flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, making it savory and full of flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby kick.
For the Noodles:
- Noodles: Choose any long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen—something that will soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the noodles and helping them blend in with the sauce.
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of the pasta water for later if needed.
2. Cook the Steak
While the noodles cook, heat a bit of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness and how you like your steak cooked). Once cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest while you make the sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles into the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss them around to coat every noodle in that glorious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Slice the Steak and Serve
Slice your rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve the garlic butter noodles on plates, top with the sliced steak, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra touch of flavor and color.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
These noodles are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few extra sides:
Fresh Salad
A light, crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich, savory dish. Think mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a great way to add some color and nutrients to your meal. Plus, the crispy texture is a nice contrast to the creamy noodles.
Crusty Bread
You can’t go wrong with a loaf of crusty bread to mop up any leftover garlic butter sauce. Who doesn’t love a little carb-on-carb action?
Additional Tips
1. Choose the Right Steak
For the most tender results, go for a cut like ribeye or flank steak. You want something with a little fat to give the meat more flavor and juiciness.
2. Customize the Noodles
Feel free to swap out the noodles for any pasta you like! You can also use gluten-free noodles if that’s your preference.
3. Add Some Heat
If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick.
4. Rest the Steak
Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices and keep it tender.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or even ramen noodles for a fun twist.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to avoid overcooking the steak.
Q4: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
A4: Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs would be a great substitute if you prefer poultry.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A5: Yes! Feel free to sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A6: You could use vegetarian steak alternatives or mushrooms as a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Q7: How do I know when my steak is done?
A7: For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F; for medium, it’s around 140-145°F.
Q8: Can I use pre-cooked steak?
A8: Yes, you can! Just slice the pre-cooked steak and toss it into the pan with the sauce to warm it up before serving.
Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the garlic butter sauce and steak separately for up to 1 month. Just reheat when ready to serve.
Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a bit of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce to give it some heat.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are the perfect combination of savory, garlicky goodness and tender steak, all tied together with rich, buttery noodles. This dish is not only easy and quick to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, these noodles are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the bold flavors and delightful textures, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to dinner!
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Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are the ultimate comfort food! Tender steak cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over quick-cooking noodles and tossed in a deliciously savory sauce. This one-pan dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. A blend of rich steak and garlic butter with noodles – a combination you won’t be able to resist!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt, for boiling pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing noodles)
Instructions
-
For the Steak:
- Season the steak:
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F (54°C). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Sauté the garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sauces and seasoning:
- Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the dried thyme or Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
For the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Toss noodles in sauce:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking.
To Assemble:
- Combine steak and noodles:
- Add the sliced steak on top of the noodles and toss everything together. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color.
To Serve:
- Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles immediately, topped with extra parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
- Season the steak:
Notes
- If you like a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- You can use any steak cut you prefer. Flank steak or sirloin are also great alternatives.
- For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (assuming recipe yields 3 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg