Steak & Pasta in Creamy Peppercorn Sauce: A Luxurious Date Night Dinner

Get ready to elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-worthy Steak & Pasta in Creamy Peppercorn Sauce. Tender steak bites, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky, rich sauce come together to create a meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

US Measurements

For the Steak:

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz pasta shells (orecchiette or conchiglie)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Metric Measurements

For the Steak:

  • 450g sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 10g coarse black pepper
  • 5g salt
  • 5g garlic powder

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 225g pasta shells (orecchiette or conchiglie)
  • 30g butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 240 ml heavy cream
  • 120 ml beef broth
  • 15g cracked black pepper
  • 50g grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Season steak cubes with salt, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
  2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until almost smoking.
  4. Carefully add steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same pan, cooking for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.
  7. Add heavy cream and cracked pepper, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  8. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  10. Return seared steak and any accumulated juices to the pan, gently mixing.
  11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 620
  • Total Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on the steak
  • Let steak come to room temperature before cooking
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum flavor
  • Rest the steak for a few minutes before adding back to the sauce

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use different pasta shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni
  • Substitute beef with chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian option
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
  • Use vegetable broth for a different flavor profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know when the steak is medium-rare? A: Use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is around 135°F (57°C).

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.

Q: What wine pairs well with this dish? A: A medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works great.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free? A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
  • Best consumed within 2-3 days
  • Reheat gently to prevent sauce from separating
  • Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce

Enjoy this decadent Steak & Pasta in Creamy Peppercorn Sauce – a true restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen!