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Creamy Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta Recipe

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A quick and easy dinner featuring tender steak strips in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce tossed with creamy pasta. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season 1 lb of sliced steak generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  4. Add steak strips in a single layer (in batches if needed) and cook 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still juicy inside. Remove steak to a plate and keep warm.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy cowboy butter sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
  10. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Let steak rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing steak to get a good sear. Simmer cream gently to prevent breaking the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute almond milk with cornstarch and dairy-free butter; use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter, steak pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick recipe, comfort food, garlic butter sauce

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