For those nights when you seek a combination of elegance and indulgence, the Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is an unbeatable choice. This dish marries the succulence of steak draped in luscious garlic butter with the creamy richness of linguine swimming in a quartet of cheese flavors. With a prep time well-suited for busy evenings and a taste profile that will wow any dinner guest, this recipe is a sure ticket to culinary bliss. From the delightfully tender steak bites to the all-encompassing creaminess of the pasta, this meal satisfies any craving for comforting decadence. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a romantic evening, it’s a recipe that promises to impress with each savory bite.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine
Indulging in this dish is a celebration of well-balanced flavors and textures. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Ultimate Comfort: Combining succulent steak with cheesy pasta makes it the epitome of comfort food.
- Flavors Galore: Each bite offers the delightful contrast of juicy steak and creamy, cheesy pasta.
- Quick Gourmet: Enjoy gourmet dining at home without hours in the kitchen.
- Flexible for Guests: Single servings are easy to scale up for gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing this delectable meal starts with a well-organized kitchen setup. Begin by gathering your ingredients and ensuring your steak is at room temperature for even cooking. A large pot for pasta, a skillet for searing steak, and a saucepan for the creamy cheese sauce are essential. Keep your workspace clutter-free by organizing ingredients into small bowls, which allows you to focus on your cooking. A sharp knife works wonders for cutting steak into even cubes, ensuring consistent cooking. Finally, a slotted spoon and whisk will be crucial for making the roux and perfectly integrating the cheeses into the sauce. Prepare these tools beforehand, and you’ll glide through the cooking process smoothly and efficiently.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup cream cheese
- 0.25 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Steak
Begin by cutting your steak into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a great sear, then season generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavor of the beef.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Prepare a large pot of salted water by bringing it to a boil. This will later become the bath for your linguine, ensuring it cooks to a perfect al dente texture.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Grab a reliable skillet, heat it over medium-high heat, and add olive oil. In batches, sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re brown and crispy. Remove the steak and set it aside.
Step 4: Craft the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and melt butter. Add the garlic, stirring to prevent it from burning, and cook until aromatic — about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Garlic Butter
Reintroduce the steak to the pan, thoroughly toss with the garlic butter, and remove from heat, allowing it to rest while the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Prepare the Linguine
Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook it until it’s just al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it.
Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually incorporate the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Set the pan over medium heat.
Step 8: Melt the Cheeses
Add the cheeses individually, allowing each to melt completely into the sauce. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
Step 9: Assemble the Pasta and Steak
Fold the linguine into your cheese sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed. Arrange the pasta on a platter, topping it generously with your garlic butter steak cubes.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken or shrimp for a leaner main, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and fresh flavors.
- Spices: Incorporate red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing steak; doing so could cause your meat to steam rather than brown.
- Reserve pasta water is key—it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the linguine.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread to balance the meal.
- A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Tips
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes post-cooking to allow juices to redistribute within the meat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved pasta water or an extra splash of milk to thin it out.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 750 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but components like the cheese sauce can be prepped in advance. Reheat gently and combine just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Garlic powder can substitute in a pinch, though fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use low-fat cheeses to cut down on calories and fat.
Is there a gluten-free option available?
With gluten-free pasta and flour, this dish can easily accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
The Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce embodies the heart of gourmet comfort cooking. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it an instant favorite, whether you’re preparing a simple family meal or a more intimate dinner. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—try different cheeses, adjust the seasoning, or play with garnishes. Share your experiences and variations in the comments below, and remember, the true joy in cooking comes not only from the flavors you create but from the delight it brings to those at your table. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce combines the succulence of steak in luscious garlic butter with the creamy richness of linguine.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup cream cheese
- 0.25 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Steak: Cut into 1-inch cubes, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
- Boil the Pasta: Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet, add oil, sear steak for 2-3 minutes on each side. Set aside.
- Craft the Garlic Butter: Melt butter in skillet, add garlic, cook till aromatic.
- Combine Steak and Garlic Butter: Toss steak in garlic butter and let rest.
- Prepare the Linguine: Cook linguine to al dente and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, make roux with flour, add milk and cream.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add cheeses, season with salt, pepper, nutmeg.
- Assemble: Fold linguine into cheese sauce, top with steak cubes.
Notes
Reserve pasta water helps sauce consistency. Steak should not be crowded while searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 40 g