Name: Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine); 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a savory, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked pasta in one satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something hearty yet quick to make, without compromising on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the deep, savory flavor of seared beef with the aromatic richness of garlic butter. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it great for a last-minute dinner idea. The butter sauce coats the pasta beautifully, and when mixed with juicy beef slices, it turns into a dish I crave often. It’s simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing—definitely one of my go-to comfort meals.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work great)
Beef steak, thinly sliced (such as sirloin or flank)
Garlic cloves, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

I start by boiling the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, then drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil.
I season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in batches until browned and cooked through. Once done, I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. I stir it around gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
I return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
I add the cooked beef back in, toss everything together, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan if I have it on hand.
I serve it hot, with extra cheese or black pepper if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. From start to finish, it takes approximately 25–30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Variations

I sometimes use ground beef instead of sliced steak for a quicker version.
Adding red pepper flakes gives the dish a nice heat kick.
I like mixing in some spinach or mushrooms for added veggies.
Swapping the butter for a garlic herb compound butter makes it extra luxurious.
For a creamy twist, I occasionally stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually add a splash of water or broth and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until it’s hot. Microwaving also works, but I make sure to cover it and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

How do I make sure the beef stays tender?

I slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it. A quick sear on high heat keeps it tender and juicy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with penne, rigatoni, and even egg noodles. Any pasta that holds sauce well works great.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but I sometimes add chili flakes or cayenne for some heat if I want a spicier version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the beef and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. I just reheat them together with the garlic butter right before serving.

What’s the best beef cut for this dish?

I usually go with sirloin or flank steak. They cook quickly and stay tender, especially when sliced thin.

Conclusion

Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those dishes I can always rely on for a satisfying, delicious meal. It’s rich, garlicky, and comforting, and I love how customizable it is based on what I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for family or just need a quick solo dinner, this pasta dish always delivers.