Garlic Butter Steak Linguine with Carrots and Parmesan

A rich and satisfying pasta dish with tender steak, sweet carrots, and a silky garlic butter sauce

Introduction: A Steakhouse Pasta You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

There’s something magical about combining the elegance of a steak dinner with the comfort of a pasta bowl. This Garlic Butter Steak Linguine is a weeknight-friendly dish that feels like a special occasion. It’s bold, buttery, and balanced—tender bites of steak seared to perfection, sweet carrots for crunch and color, and a silky garlic butter sauce that clings to every strand of linguine.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home, hosting friends, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible:

Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine
  Linguine is the perfect choice here—it’s flat and wide enough to hold onto the sauce, but still delicate enough to twirl beautifully. Cook it al dente for the best texture.

Tip: Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea.

Steak:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  Ribeye offers rich marbling and flavor, while sirloin is leaner and more budget-friendly. Cut into small, even pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.

Tip: Let the steak come to room temperature before searing for even cooking.

Vegetables:

• 2 cups carrots, sliced into thin sticks or coins
  Carrots add natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Slice them thin so they cook quickly and evenly.

Optional: Add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.

Aromatics & Flavor Boosters:

• 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  Used for searing the steak and sautéing the carrots.
• 4 tbsp butter
  Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce—rich, silky, and indulgent.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Adds depth and aroma—sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
• ½ tsp paprika
  Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
• ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder
  Boost the savory flavor of the steak.
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  Adds a gentle heat—adjust to taste.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  Adds tang and complexity to the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Essential for seasoning every layer.

Finishing Touches:

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  Adds salty, nutty richness—stir in just before serving for a creamy finish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  Adds color and freshness.

Optional: Top with lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add linguine and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.

Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Tip: Toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

Remove steak from skillet and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Carrots

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and carrots.

Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized.

Optional: Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the carrots if needed.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add butter to the skillet and melt.

Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and a splash of reserved pasta water.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently, until sauce is slightly thickened.

Tip: Don’t let the sauce boil—keep it at a gentle simmer for a smooth texture.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Return steak and carrots to the pan.

Stir in parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Optional: Add a splash more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates or a large platter.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Presentation Tip: Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few pairing ideas to round out the meal:

• Side Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette with garlic butter
• Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
• Wine Pairing: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Chardonnay

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Here are some delicious twists:

Creamy Garlic Version

Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer finish.

Steak & Mushroom

Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy boost.

Spicy Cajun

Use Cajun seasoning on the steak and add extra red pepper flakes.

Veggie Boost

Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra greens.

Chicken Swap

Use grilled chicken breast or thighs instead of steak.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make-Ahead: Cook steak and carrots up to 1 day in advance.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
• Freeze: Not recommended—cream and pasta texture may change.

Tip: Store sauce separately if you plan to reheat later for best results.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 4)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~32g
• Sugar: ~4g
• Sodium: ~480mg
• Fiber: ~4g

This dish is:

• High-protein
• Comfort food approved
• Family-friendly
• Perfect for leftovers

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Linguine with Carrots and Parmesan is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with ease.