If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made in your own kitchen, this Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet is exactly what you need. Tender strips of sirloin or ribeye steak seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and tossed with fettuccine pasta coated in a velvety Parmesan cream — it’s a dish that hits all the right notes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this skillet recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors that keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines the best of both worlds: juicy steak and creamy pasta. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

Simple yet impressive: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Quick cooking time: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Comfort food at its finest: Creamy Alfredo sauce paired with garlic butter steak makes every bite heavenly.
Customizable: Easily swap the steak for chicken or seafood, or add veggies to suit your taste.
One skillet cleanup: Less mess, more enjoyment.

If you’re in love with creamy pasta dishes, you might also want to check out the Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Fettuccine for a delicious twist.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering skillet dinner:

1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into strips – choose a tender cut for the best results.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the steak.
4 tablespoons butter – forms the base of the garlic butter sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy; garlic is the star here.
1 cup heavy cream – creates that luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best for maximum flavor.
8 ounces fettuccine pasta – cooked al dente to soak up the sauce perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasoning.
Chopped parsley – for a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish.

Setup & Equipment

To make preparation and cooking smooth, here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Large skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to cook steak and toss pasta in the sauce.
Large pot: For boiling the fettuccine pasta.
Sharp knife: For slicing the steak into strips.
Cutting board: To prep your ingredients.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the sauce without scratching your skillet.
Colander: To drain pasta.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy with ingredients.

Stepwise Method: Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak strips dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the steak strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still tender inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, then add 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. The garlic butter aroma will start filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the cream to warm and slightly thicken—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Steak and Pasta

Add the cooked steak strips back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat the meat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Next, add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through. If the sauce needs loosening, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh green color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, satisfying taste of your homemade Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet.

For a seafood spin on creamy garlic pasta, try the Garlic Butter Scallop Fettuccine, which adds a delightful ocean-inspired twist.

Make It Diet-Friendly

If you want to lighten up this indulgent skillet meal, here are some easy swaps and tips:

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content.
Choose leaner cuts of steak or substitute with grilled chicken breast strips.
Swap out regular fettuccine for whole wheat or veggie-based pasta to add fiber and nutrients.
Use less butter or replace some with olive oil to cut saturated fat.
Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to bulk up the dish with vitamins and minerals.

For a veggie-packed alternative loaded with creamy garlic flavor, check out this Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti recipe that’s equally comforting and delicious.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

Here are some tips and observations from making this recipe multiple times:

Don’t skip resting the steak: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after searing helps retain juices for tender bites.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or powders.
Stir the Parmesan in gradually: This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
Reserve pasta water: It’s magic for adjusting the sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
Customize seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for an herby touch.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to save leftovers, here’s how to do it:

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms.
Note: Pasta texture may soften after freezing, so it’s best suited for reheating with care.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can swap in linguine, penne, or even pappardelle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure the pasta holds the sauce well.

Is ribeye better than sirloin for this recipe?

Both cuts work beautifully. Ribeye offers more marbling and richness, whereas sirloin is leaner with a firmer texture. Choose based on your preference and budget.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

To keep your Alfredo sauce silky and smooth, avoid boiling the cream. Cook it gently over medium heat and stir constantly when adding Parmesan cheese. Using freshly grated cheese also helps prevent clumping.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the steak strips and cook the pasta in advance, then assemble and finish the sauce just before serving. This saves time and keeps everything tasting fresh.

Try These Next

Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Fettuccine – a hearty variation with earthy mushrooms.
Garlic Butter Scallop Fettuccine – creamy and elegant seafood pasta.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti – packed with greens and bursting with flavor.

Hungry for More?

If you love the combination of garlic, butter, and creamy sauces, you’re in for a treat with these recipes that elevate simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, or hearty veggies, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.

From the first forkful of this Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Skillet, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite. The tender steak strips paired with rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s pure comfort on a plate. Invite friends or family, pour a glass of your favorite drink, and enjoy this spectacular skillet supper that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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