After the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful. While the steak is resting, drain the pasta but reserve about a cup of the pasta water – it’s a secret ingredient that will elevate your sauce! In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking it until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Next, slice your steak into strips and return it to the skillet with the garlic butter. Add in the drained pasta, and toss everything together. If it looks a little dry, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. I like my dish with a creamy feel, so I add a bit more. Finish with fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. The color and aroma are simply irresistible!
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta immediately, and don’t forget to savor every bite. You’ll find the combination of flavors and textures simply delightful! Feel free to pair this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that buttery sauce.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways to get the steak perfectly cooked, and I found that using a meat thermometer made a huge difference. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, which gives you a beautifully juicy steak every time. If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two; it only enhances the flavor! I also like to finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice; it brightens up the richness of the butter.
Another tip I discovered is to use a good quality butter. The type of butter you use can significantly impact the flavor of the sauce. I splurge on European-style butter whenever I make this recipe, as it tends to be richer and creamier. Lastly, remember to let your steak rest before cutting it. It really is the secret to tender steak that everyone will rave about!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past is overcrowding the skillet when cooking the steak. This prevents that beautiful sear from forming and turns the meat into more of a steam. Instead, cook in batches if necessary; your steak will thank you for it! Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite to it – “al dente” is key! I’ve had my fair share of mushy pasta moments, and trust me, it’s not ideal.
Another pitfall is forgetting to reserve the pasta water. It seems trivial at the moment, but that starchy water is what will help your sauce cling to the pasta and create that creamy consistency we all crave. Lastly, don’t skip the herbs! They add a wonderful layer of flavor that really elevates the dish. (See the next page below to continue…)