Garlic butter steak cheesy linguine has become my go-to for impressing guests, and honestly, for just treating myself after a long week. I remember the first time I tried making a steak with garlic butter and cheese – it was a bit intimidating, but the results were absolutely spectacular! The aroma of sizzling steak, garlic, and melting cheese filling my kitchen was pure magic. This dish is so rich and comforting, with tender steak bites coated in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of linguine. You’re going to absolutely adore this restaurant-quality meal. Let’s get this amazing cheesy garlic butter steak dinner started!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
This garlic butter steak cheesy linguine is a dream come true for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly decadent and tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal.
- The steak is perfectly seared and melts in your mouth.
- You get that amazing garlic butter flavor in every single bite.
- The creamy, four-cheese sauce is pure comfort food heaven.
- This cheesy garlic butter steak recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up.
- It’s a fantastic way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests.
- The combination of tender steak and cheesy pasta is simply irresistible.
- You’ll be making this cheesy garlic butter steak recipe again and again!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy Linguine
Gather these ingredients for a truly decadent meal. For the steak, you’ll need 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; make sure they’re tender. We’ll also use 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for that classic garlic butter base. Don’t forget 5 cloves garlic, minced for that essential punch of flavor, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, or parsley for garnish. For the pasta, grab 12 oz linguine pasta. The magic happens with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 cup heavy cream for a luscious sauce. We’re using a blend of cheeses for that ultimate garlic butter steak with mozzarella experience: ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded fontina cheese, and ¼ cup grated Romano cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, and a pinch of ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for depth. Finally, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley adds a fresh finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
- Step 1: Start by allowing your steak to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before you begin cooking. This helps it sear evenly. While that’s happening, generously salt a large pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil for the pasta.
- Step 2: Cook the linguine according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, make sure to reserve at least a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later!
- Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully add the steak cubes, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted and starts to foam, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, followed by all the grated cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and Romano. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted, creating a rich, smooth, and gloriously creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Season the luscious cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and the nutmeg, if you’re using it. Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until every strand of pasta is coated in that cheesy goodness. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, now’s the time to add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This step is key to an easy garlic butter steak cheese recipe.
- Step 7: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the cheesy linguine. Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring the steak is warmed through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this incredible garlic butter steak cheesy linguine immediately for the best experience! Following these steps will ensure you have a truly easy garlic butter steak cheese recipe that’s sure to impress.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
Elevate your garlic butter steak and cheese experience with these insider tips:
- Always use freshly grated cheeses; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. Work in batches if necessary to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Resting the steak after searing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Reserve that starchy pasta water! It’s the secret ingredient for achieving the perfect, silky consistency in your cheese sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy?
The real secret to a perfect steak with garlic butter and cheese lies in the quality of ingredients and proper technique. Using freshly grated cheeses and not overcrowding the pan for searing the steak are crucial. Also, finishing the pasta directly in the sauce with a splash of pasta water creates that luscious, integrated flavor.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy ahead of time?
You can prep some components ahead, like searing the steak and grating the cheeses. However, the sauce and pasta are best made just before serving to maintain the ideal creamy texture and prevent the pasta from getting mushy. Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy?
A common pitfall is overcooking the steak; aim for medium-rare to medium for tenderness. Another mistake is using pre-shredded cheese, which can lead to a greasy or separated sauce. Finally, don’t forget to reserve pasta water – it’s essential for achieving a smooth, perfectly textured sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
This decadent garlic butter steak cheesy linguine is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a truly restaurant-style experience, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also make excellent complements, adding a touch of freshness and color to the plate. When serving this garlic butter steak cheesy linguine, make sure it’s piping hot right out of the pan for the ultimate creamy, cheesy experience!
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
Per serving, this rich garlic butter steak cheesy dish is quite hearty. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: approx. 850
- Fat: approx. 55g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 30g
- Protein: approx. 45g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 60g
- Fiber: approx. 3g
- Sugar: approx. 3g
- Sodium: approx. 900mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
Even though this garlic butter steak cheesy comfort food is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely store leftovers. Make sure the pasta and steak mixture has cooled down completely before portioning it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is an option; wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, the best method for this dish is on the stovetop. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy
What makes this garlic butter steak cheesy so special?
The magic really comes from the combination of perfectly seared steak bites and a luxuriously creamy, four-cheese sauce that coats every strand of linguine. It’s that rich, savory garlic butter flavor amplified by the melty cheeses that makes this dish so irresistible. It truly transforms a simple pasta dinner into something extraordinary.
Can I use different types of cheese in my cheesy garlic butter steak skillet?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and Romano for ultimate creaminess, feel free to experiment. Gruyere adds a nutty depth, sharp cheddar offers a tangy kick, and provolone can offer a lovely melt. Just ensure you use good melting cheeses for that perfect gooey texture in your cheesy garlic butter steak skillet.
How can I make this Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, you could swap the linguine for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. Using a bit less cream and adding some reserved pasta water or low-sodium broth to achieve the sauce consistency can also help. You might also consider using a leaner cut of steak, though ribeye or sirloin provide the best flavor and tenderness.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy?
Given the richness of this dish, light and fresh sides work best. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a lovely contrast. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also complement the flavors beautifully. A crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up any extra delicious sauce!
Variations of Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy You Can Try
While this recipe is absolutely divine as is, I love experimenting to find new ways to enjoy my favorite garlic butter steak and cheese creations. Here are a few ideas to mix things up!
- Dietary Swap: For a lighter option, try using zucchini noodles or whole wheat linguine instead of traditional pasta. You can also swap heavy cream for a blend of half-and-half and a touch of Greek yogurt for a creamier, tangier sauce base.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic (before adding the cream) and let it reduce slightly. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor! You could also incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Baking Method: Turn this into a delightful garlic butter steak and cheese bake! After tossing the pasta, steak, and sauce together, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the steak and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This makes for a delicious vegetarian pasta dish that still delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy: 1 Amazing Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy Linguine is a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that combines tender steak bites with a rich, creamy four-cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional, or substitute with parsley for garnish)
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded fontina cheese
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Allow the steak to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Generously salt the pasta water.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and Romano cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss gently with the cheesy linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing steak to ensure a good crust.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if needed.
- Finish the pasta in the sauce for optimal flavor integration.
- The balance of steak and cheese is key to this cheesy garlic butter steak recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared and Sauce-Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: approx. 850
- Sugar: approx. 3g
- Sodium: approx. 900mg
- Fat: approx. 55g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 25g
- Trans Fat: approx. 1g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 60g
- Fiber: approx. 3g
- Protein: approx. 45g
- Cholesterol: approx. 200mg
