Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo

This Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo transforms a simple pasta night into a restaurant-worthy experience, perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner. It’s particularly satisfying during winter months when comfort food reigns supreme, but equally delightful year-round, especially when you can cook the steak outdoors during summer evenings. This impressive dish is ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day dinner without requiring hours in the kitchen – it comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

See recipe card for quantities or below for descriptions

Steak – Quality is key here! Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. Tenderloin, ribeye, NY strip, or top sirloin all work beautifully in this dish.

Steak Seasoning – A custom blend of seasonings enhances the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering it. The recipe includes my favorite homemade blend.

Avocado Oil – With its high smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for achieving that beautiful sear on your steak without burning.

Butter – Creates the luxurious garlic butter that coats the steak bites, adding richness and depth of flavor to the entire dish.

Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are essential! They infuse the butter, steak, and sauce with aromatic flavor that jarred alternatives simply can’t match.

Heavy Cream – Forms the luscious base of the alfredo sauce, providing that signature velvety texture.

Half and Half – Balances the richness of the heavy cream while maintaining the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty dimension to the alfredo sauce and helps thicken it to the perfect consistency.

Green Onions – Provide a fresh, mild flavor and beautiful color contrast that brightens up the dish.

Fettuccine – The classic pasta choice for alfredo, with its flat, wide surface area perfect for capturing the creamy sauce.

Freshly Cracked Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and complexity that elevates the entire dish.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Cut your steak into 2-3″ pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil and generously season with most of your steak seasoning blend (reserving 2 teaspoons for the sauce). Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Before cooking the steak, bring a large pot of salted water to boil for your fettuccine noodles. Cook according to package directions while preparing the steak and sauce.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once hot, add the seasoned steak pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for a few minutes per side, flipping just once to achieve a beautiful sear. The cooking time will vary depending on your preferred doneness.

Step 4: Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, transfer it to a bowl. Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. Return the steak to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Transfer back to the bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: In the same pan with all those flavorful steak drippings, add 4 tablespoons of butter and the remaining garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, half & half, and the reserved 2 teaspoons of steak seasoning. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions, saving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it directly to the alfredo sauce. Toss gently until each strand is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large platter and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with additional green onions and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the ultimate indulgence.

Substitutions

Steak – While premium cuts like tenderloin or ribeye are recommended, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef for a more budget-friendly option. For a non-beef alternative, try chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or jumbo shrimp.

Avocado Oil – Substitute with canola oil, grapeseed oil, or any high smoke-point cooking oil if avocado oil isn’t available.

Heavy Cream & Half and Half – For a lighter version, use all half and half or a combination of milk and light cream. For dairy-free options, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.

Parmesan – Pecorino Romano makes an excellent substitute with its sharp, salty flavor. For dairy-free needs, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor.

Fettuccine – Any pasta works well here! Try linguine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle for similar results. For a more substantial bite, use penne, rigatoni, or bow ties.

Green Onions – Fresh chives, parsley, or basil can be used instead for a different herbal note.

Variations

Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning and sauce for a kick of heat that beautifully complements the creamy elements.

Deluxe – Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for additional layers of flavor and texture.

Seafood – Create a surf and turf experience by adding grilled shrimp or lobster tail alongside the steak bites.

Vegetable-packed – Incorporate spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.

Blue Cheese – For an even more decadent dish, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola over the top before serving – it pairs wonderfully with steak.

Equipment

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron for the best steak sear)
• Large pot for pasta
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Tongs

Storage

To store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo, it’s best to keep the steak and pasta separate for optimal quality.

Store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the pasta and sauce, place in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 2-3 days.

When reheating, warm the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small pat of butter to maintain moisture. For the pasta, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Stir continuously until warmed through.

This dish is not ideal for freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, and the texture of both the pasta and steak may suffer.

Top Tips

Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

For the creamiest alfredo sauce, use freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block rather than pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.

Don’t salt the alfredo sauce until after adding the parmesan cheese. Parmesan contains natural sodium, so it’s easier to adjust the seasoning once it’s been incorporated.

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
For the most tender results, tenderloin (filet mignon) is the top choice, followed by ribeye, NY strip, and top sirloin. The key is selecting a cut with good marbling for maximum flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead: season the steak, chop ingredients, and even make the alfredo sauce (just reheat gently with a splash of cream). Cook the pasta and steak just before serving.

How do I know when my steak is cooked to my preference?
For medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
For medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
For medium-well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
For well-done: 155°F (68°C) and above

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo?
This rich dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a garden salad with vinaigrette dressing, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce.

Can I use pre-made alfredo sauce to save time?
While homemade sauce delivers superior flavor, you can use store-bought in a pinch. Enhance it with fresh garlic, additional parmesan, and a dash of the steak seasoning for better flavor integration.

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