What’s the secret to a perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty combination of grilled steaks, homemade pasta and rich parmesan sauce is a great place to start. This easy recipe featuring tender grilled steak and a simple yet flavorful sauce is a family favorite. Save this idea for a quick and delicious meal solution.

grilled steaks and pasta with parmesan sauce on a white plate

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of grilled steak, the comfort of pasta, and the creaminess of parmesan sauce, all presented beautifully on a white plate. This recipe for grilled steaks and pasta with parmesan sauce is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Using everyday ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in with family and friends. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with your favorite ingredients and make it your own.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of grilled steak, pasta, and parmesan sauce offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively simple to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal time in the kitchen.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss, making it ideal for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include high-quality steaks (such as ribeye or sirloin), pasta of your choice (though thicker shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine work best with the sauce), parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh parsley. For the parmesan sauce, you’ll also need butter and all-purpose flour to make a roux. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter version of the sauce, or opting for vegetarian alternatives to steak for a meat-free option.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the parsley, mince the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Step 2: Grill your steaks to the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain.
3. Step 3: Make the parmesan sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking continuously to make a smooth roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: To assemble the dish, place the cooked pasta on a white plate, spoon the parmesan sauce over the pasta, and arrange the sliced grilled steak on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

• For a lighter sauce, use less heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half. Always whisk constantly when adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
• Let the steak rest before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.

Heat Control

When grilling the steaks, it’s crucial to control the heat to achieve the perfect doneness. For gas grills, medium-high heat is ideal, while for charcoal grills, you want to grill over medium-high heat once the coals are ashed over. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For the parmesan sauce, medium heat is sufficient for making the roux and simmering the cream until it thickens.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish is primarily tender, thanks to the steak and pasta. However, the freshness of parsley adds a slight crunch and freshness. To enhance the crunch factor, you could add some toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto on top of the dish before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor and texture of your dish depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients, especially the steak and parmesan cheese.
• Don’t overcook: Both the pasta and the steak can quickly become overcooked, leading to an unappetizing texture. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right.
• Cleanup as you go: To make the cooking process less stressful and to avoid a big mess at the end, clean up as you go. This includes washing utensils, wiping down countertops, and putting away ingredients once you’re done with them.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cool the pasta and sauce separately before refrigerating or freezing. Steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat, whisking constantly, and slice the steak just before serving.
• Reheating tips: For reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent the sauce from breaking or the steak from becoming tough. Use low heat and stir frequently.
• Best containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Glass containers are ideal for reheating in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, components of it can be packaged as gifts, such as jars of homemade parmesan sauce or boxes of freshly made pasta. Consider decorative jars with ribbon ties for the sauce, and paper bags or boxes with a clear plastic window for the pasta. Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves on top can make the gift even more appealing.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the parmesan sauce for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or grilled asparagus to complement the steak and pasta.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant. You can also use different types of cheese or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a little more grated cheese.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find parmesan cheese, other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano can be used as substitutes. For the steak, different cuts can be used based on personal preference and availability.
• Over/undercooking signs: Check the steak frequently while it’s grilling, and use a thermometer for accuracy. For pasta, taste it frequently towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, components of the dish can be frozen. The parmesan sauce and cooked pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, and the steak can be frozen raw or cooked for up to 2 months as well.
• Is it gluten-free? The pasta and the roux made with flour contain gluten. However, gluten-free pasta and flour can be used as substitutes to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, all ingredients can be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger pot for the pasta and adjust the cooking time of the steak based on its size and your grill’s performance.

Conclusion

This recipe for grilled steaks and pasta with parmesan sauce on a white plate is a true showstopper that’s deceptively easy to make. With its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and versatility, it’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the dish your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful combination of grilled steak, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta!