Ribeye Steak in Garlic Butter Sauce with Creamy Herb Pasta is an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal that blends tender, juicy ribeye steaks with a rich and aromatic garlic butter finish, served alongside velvety pasta tossed in a herbaceous cheese sauce. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or anytime you crave a high-end dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Decadent and Satisfying: Rich garlic butter steak and creamy herb pasta offer the perfect balance of comfort and elegance.
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One Pan, One Pot: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish uses minimal cookware and simple techniques.
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Customizable: Easily adjust the herbs, cheese, or pasta type to match your taste.
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Well-Rounded Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and dairy for a full, satisfying dinner.
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Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like fine dining, but comes together with straightforward ingredients.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ribeye steaks (about 250g each)
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Garlic, minced
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Butter
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Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme), minced
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Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
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Heavy cream
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Cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella), grated
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Salt and pepper
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Olive oil (for frying)
directions
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. -
Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce:
In the same pot, add heavy cream and warm over low heat. Stir in the grated cheese and minced fresh herbs until smooth and creamy. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. -
Cook the Steaks:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then place the ribeye steaks in the pan. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for your preferred doneness). In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and butter. Tilt the pan and baste the steaks with the garlic butter. -
Rest the Steaks:
Transfer steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes to retain juices. -
Serve:
Plate a portion of the creamy herb pasta. Slice the rested steak if desired, and place alongside the pasta. Spoon the remaining garlic butter from the pan over the steak. Garnish with additional fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 2
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 750–850 kcal per serving
Variations
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Herb Choices: Swap in chives, oregano, or dill for a different flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter or pasta sauce.
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Cheese Swap: Use blue cheese or Gruyère for a bolder, more complex taste.
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Pasta Variety: Try tagliatelle, penne, or linguine for different textures.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat pasta with a splash of cream or milk in a pan. Reheat steak in a skillet on low or enjoy cold in a steak salad.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream sauce; texture may change when thawed.
FAQs
What’s the best doneness for ribeye?
Medium-rare to medium (about 130–140°F or 55–60°C) is ideal to retain tenderness and juiciness.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, strip, or filet mignon can be used if ribeye is unavailable.
How can I tell when the steak is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer or press with your finger: soft (rare), springy (medium), firm (well done).
Can I make the pasta sauce without cream?
Yes, substitute with milk and add a bit of butter and flour to help thicken.
What type of cheese works best?
Parmesan offers a sharp, salty bite. Mozzarella creates a milder, creamy texture. Combine both for balance.
Do I need to rest the steak?
Yes, resting the steak helps retain juices and results in a more flavorful, moist cut.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Absolutely. Grill the ribeye to your desired doneness and finish with garlic butter just before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead?
You can cook the steak and pasta sauce ahead, but for best results, reheat gently and serve immediately.
How do I keep the pasta sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and add cheese gradually, stirring constantly.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness perfectly.
Conclusion
Ribeye Steak in Garlic Butter Sauce with Creamy Herb Pasta is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor and presentation. The tender, seared steak and smooth, herb-infused pasta create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for date night, special occasions, or treating yourself to something exceptional at home.
[tasty-recipe id=”18507″]