Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you love about a hearty, flavorful dinner—all in one plate. The garlic butter sauce coats the linguine noodles, infusing them with incredible flavor, while the steak adds a juicy, savory punch. The creaminess from the heavy cream perfectly balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Linguine – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak – While the pasta is cooking, season the sirloin steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the steak to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine – Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic butter sauce until well-coated. Add the sliced steak on top, mixing it in gently.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve the garlic butter steak lightning noodles immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while making the garlic butter sauce.
- Different Cut of Steak: If you prefer a different cut of steak, ribeye or flank steak will work well too. Just adjust cooking times based on the cut and thickness.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness of the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs can be used as an alternative to the sirloin steak. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce won’t be as rich but still delicious!
How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?
For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. For medium, cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover steak. Just slice it thinly and add it to the skillet at the end to heat through with the garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the pasta and cook the steak ahead of time, storing both separately. When ready to serve, combine and heat everything together in the skillet.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the creamy sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Can I make this without butter?
You can use olive oil as a substitute for butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the cream sauce.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of grated parmesan or mozzarella will melt into the creamy sauce, adding extra flavor and creaminess.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a rich and indulgent meal that combines the bold flavors of garlic butter steak with creamy pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy after a long day or to impress your guests at dinner. Quick to make yet bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a rich, savory dish that combines tender steak with creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. This quick and easy one-pan meal is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Boil salted water and cook linguine according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak and let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add heavy cream to the skillet, stir, and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing in the garlic butter sauce. Top with sliced steak and mix gently.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or grated parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
- Use chicken or a different steak cut (ribeye, flank) if preferred.