Introduction

This high protein creamy garlic Parmesan steak pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion—tender, perfectly seared strips of steak, nestled in a bed of pasta, all coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you're planning a cozy night in or need a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

The creamy garlic sauce wraps every strand of pasta and slice of steak in a luscious, savory embrace. Made with a protein cheese sauce that's both indulgent and packed with protein, this meal is a great option for those craving something hearty without skimping on nutrition. Best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to make using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite – The creamy sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta and every slice of steak.
Surprisingly Simple – No complex steps, just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Customizable – Works with your favorite pasta shape, your preferred steak cut, and even allows for fun add-ins like mushrooms or spinach.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – This high protein creamy garlic steak pasta looks fancy, tastes divine, and saves you the cost of eating out.
Perfect for Any Occasion – From weeknight dinners to dinner party centerpieces, this dish shines.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

2 boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon butter (for flavor and sear)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
½ cup beef broth (optional but enhances flavor)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

Sautéed mushrooms
Wilted spinach
Sun-dried tomatoes

Tools You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or cast-iron pan (for searing steak and making sauce)
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Colander

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Steak Cuts: Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are ideal. Flank steak or skirt steak work too—just slice thinly against the grain.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, but you can swap in Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a twist.
Cream: Heavy cream is preferred for richness, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work perfectly with this high protein creamy garlic steak pasta.
Herbs: Use basil for a sweet, aromatic flavor or parsley for a fresh, grassy note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes depending on the type.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for your protein cheese sauce.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the steaks.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
During the last minute, add 1 tablespoon butter and baste the steak with the melted butter.
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (do not clean it—flavor lives there!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
If using, pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful brown bits.
Add the heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens (3–4 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
Toss everything together until the pasta is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Add the sliced steak back into the pan and toss gently to warm it through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and steak.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a bit more Parmesan if desired.
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

What to Serve With Steak Pasta

Garlic Bread – Great for mopping up extra protein cheese sauce..
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli – Add color and nutrition.
Caesar Salad – A crunchy, creamy side to balance the richness.
Red Wine – A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a silky Merlot pairs beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add cream or broth to revive the protein cheese sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended, as creamy sauces tend to separate after thawing.

Tips for Making and Tips for Success

Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
Rest the Steak: This keeps it juicy when you slice into it.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: It continues to cook slightly in the sauce.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: It adds the base flavor for the entire dish.
Deglaze with Broth or Wine: Scraping the pan after searing steak adds restaurant-level depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Pan-seared chicken breast or thighs make a delicious alternative.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients (like broth and cheese) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add veggies to the dish?
Absolutely. Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and texture.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute coconut cream and vegan Parmesan, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 650
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta is everything you want in a comfort food dinner—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. It transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience right at home. With its indulgent protein cheese sauce, juicy steak, and al dente pasta, it’s a dish that feels like a treat but fuels your day with satisfying protein.

Serve it for special occasions, impress your guests, or treat yourself to something indulgent midweek. However you enjoy it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta

Author: Chef

Description

Imagine tender, juicy strips of steak nestled into a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. That’s exactly what this Creamy Parmesan Steak Pasta delivers—a rich, satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale