Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that’s both indulgent and comforting, Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni is where it’s at. Picture this: juicy, tender pieces of steak seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, and paired with hearty rigatoni pasta to soak up all that goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, this is the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious.

This dish has it all—savory, buttery steak, garlic that fills the air with that irresistible aroma, and pasta that brings everything together in the most satisfying way. The best part? It only takes a short amount of time to prepare, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. So grab your skillet, get ready to sizzle, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

Rich and Flavorful:

The garlic butter sauce is the star here. It’s full of savory, rich flavors that pair perfectly with the tender steak and pasta, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.

Quick and Easy:

Despite the gourmet vibes, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to cook.

Comforting and Hearty:

The combination of pasta and steak makes this meal incredibly filling, while still feeling light enough to enjoy on a regular basis.

Customizable:

Feel free to adjust the steak doneness, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even switch up the pasta shape to suit your preferences.

Restaurant-Worthy:

This meal has a rich, luxurious feel, making it perfect for date nights, celebrations, or impressing your friends and family with minimal effort.

Ingredients

This dish uses just a few key ingredients to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor:

For the Garlic Butter Steak:

• Steak: Choose a cut you love—ribeye, strip, or sirloin all work wonderfully. You want it to be tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness and letting the flavors shine.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential. It adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the steak.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of rosemary and thyme brings an earthy, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: To sear the steak and add a rich, smooth finish to the butter sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the steak.

For the Rigatoni:

• Rigatoni: The sturdy shape of rigatoni works beautifully in this dish because it can hold onto the garlic butter sauce and steak pieces.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and preventing the pasta from sticking together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty touch that ties everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later. Drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked pasta to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the steak.

2. Sear the Steak:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the skillet and sear it for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on how thick the steak is and how you like it cooked. For a medium-rare steak, aim for a nice crust and an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burned.

4. Toss Steak and Pasta:

Slice the steak into thin strips or bite-sized pieces against the grain. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, and toss to coat the pasta in all that delicious flavor. If the sauce needs a little loosening, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Add the sliced steak and toss everything together.

5. Serve and Garnish:

Divide the pasta and steak mixture onto plates, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, is a lovely finishing touch.

6. Enjoy:

Serve immediately while everything is hot and flavorful. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it’s so good, I doubt it will last long on your plate!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

This dish is already quite hearty and flavorful on its own, but here are a few suggestions to take it to the next level:

With a Side Salad:

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce and add a refreshing contrast to the steak and pasta.

Roasted Vegetables:

Serve the steak and rigatoni with some roasted vegetables, like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, to add extra texture and color to the meal.

Garlic Bread:

For even more garlic goodness, pair this dish with some homemade garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can never have enough garlic!

A Glass of Red Wine:

A glass of dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, will complement the savory flavors of the steak and garlic butter sauce perfectly.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Steak:

The key to a perfect steak is selecting the right cut. Ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin are all great options, but make sure to get a cut with some marbling for that juicy, tender texture.

Don’t Overcook the Steak:

Remember that the steak will continue to cook a little bit after you take it out of the pan, so let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures that it stays tender and juicy.

Pasta Water is Your Friend:

Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the rigatoni. It’s an easy way to adjust the consistency of the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.

Make it Spicy:

If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a kick of spice.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm it up gently in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta for this dish?

A1: Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this dish without steak?

A2: Yes! You can easily swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian protein like mushrooms or tofu.

Q3: How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?

A3: For medium-rare, cook the steak to an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). If you like it medium, aim for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, go up to 160°F (71°C).

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

A4: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the steak and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, heat the steak and pasta in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes.

Q5: Can I use store-bought garlic butter?

A5: Yes, if you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought garlic butter. However, making your own garlic butter sauce from scratch adds a fresh, flavorful touch.

Q6: How can I make the dish more flavorful?

A6: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of balsamic vinegar can help brighten the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end also enhances the flavor.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A7: Absolutely! You can sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli to add more texture and flavor to the dish.

Q8: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A8: Yes, just substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this delicious dish.

Q9: Can I freeze leftovers?

A9: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A10: Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little pasta water or broth to help bring back the creamy texture of the sauce.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni is the perfect balance of indulgent flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. With juicy steak, garlicky butter sauce, and pasta that soaks up every bit of goodness, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy every craving. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get ready to dive into this deliciously savory meal! Happy cooking!

Print