Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta brings together the rich flavors of steak and a creamy, buttery sauce that makes every bite a delight. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of tender steak and al dente pasta, all coated in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce, makes this meal an ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a steak enthusiast, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
Creating Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta is a delightful process. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Steak: Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the steak pieces in a single layer. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked to your liking. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the seared steak pieces, chopped parsley, chives, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta is best served warm, straight from the skillet. You can plate it in large bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives can also be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or additional butter to help rehydrate the pasta, and heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it if you prefer, but adding a little butter can make it creamier.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
- Pick the Right Steak: For the best flavor, choose well-marbled cuts like ribeye or sirloin. They stay tender and juicy, making a big difference in your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Searing the steak to the perfect doneness is key. Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure; medium-rare is around 135°F (57°C).
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality butter will elevate the taste of your dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from jars as it loses fresh flavor.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Always cook your pasta in salted water. It should taste like the sea, enhancing the overall flavor of your pasta.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. This dish can easily be made milder or spicier based on your taste.
Variation
You can easily customize Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta by adding vegetables. Consider tossing in some fresh spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking to add some nutrition and color to your dish. You could also try swapping the steak for shrimp or chicken if you prefer those proteins over beef. Additionally, cheese lovers might enjoy mixing in some cream cheese or using different types of cheese for a creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe? Yes! You can use any pasta type you enjoy, including bowtie, penne, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. Can I cook the steak in advance? Absolutely! You can sear the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make your pasta, simply reheat the steak and continue with the recipe.
3. Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta makes for a great meal prep option. Just store the cooked pasta and steak in separate containers to keep them fresh. Combine them when you are ready to enjoy a meal.
4. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers. However, the texture of the pasta may change after freezing and reheating. It’s advisable to freeze the steak and pasta separately to maintain their quality.
5. What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta? Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a delicious and complete meal. A glass of red wine can also complement the hearty flavors of the dish nicely.
Enjoy creating this fantastic Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta at home! With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
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Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful pasta dish featuring tender steak and a creamy, buttery cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked to your liking. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the seared steak pieces, chopped parsley, chives, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg