1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Season the 2 strip steaks generously with your favorite steak seasoning, which includes salt, pepper, and garlic. For a healthier twist, use a low-sodium version if you’re watching your intake, and let the steaks sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

2-Second Step: Cook the Steaks Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the steaks in the pan and cook them for about 5 minutes per side for medium doneness, basting with the melted butter and oil as they cook. Once done, remove the steaks and tent them with foil to rest; this step can be adapted for pescatarian diets by swapping in fish like salmon for a lighter protein. Here, I like to link to another great steak recipe for more ideas, like our garlic butter steak and potatoes guide on the blog.

3-Third Step: Cook the Pasta While the steaks rest, cook the 1 (16-ounce) box of pasta according to the package directions, using Rigatoni if you have it for the best sauce hold. Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can help thicken the sauce later for gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta to keep things inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 cup of chicken broth, then reduce the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until smooth. For low-calorie adaptations, use low-fat cream to cut down on fats without losing the creamy goodness. Season with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/3 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the sauce thickens; add reserved pasta water if needed.

5-Fifth Step: Combine and Serve Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce to coat evenly, ensuring every strand is covered in that flavorful mix. Thinly slice the rested steaks and place them on top of the plated pasta. For a vegan version, use plant-based substitutes here to keep the dish versatile. Finally, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve right away for the best taste it’s a hit at gatherings, as I discovered when I brought it to a community picnic.