Creamy Garlic Steak & Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti

A symphony of flavors awaits! This dish combines a juicy, pan-seared steak and tender broccoli with a luxurious, from-scratch creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, all clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti. This is restaurant-quality comfort food you can make at home.

Creamy Garlic Steak & Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti

This recipe breaks down the process into key components, ensuring everything comes together perfectly at the end.

Serves: 3-4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes


Ingredients

For the Steak & Broccoli:

· 1 lb (450g) sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak, about 1-1.5 inches thick
· 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
· 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
· Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed (for the steak)

For the Alfredo Sauce & Pasta:

· 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
· 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick or 57g) unsalted butter
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
· Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional, but classic)
· Salt and white pepper (or black pepper) to taste
· Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Pat the steak very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and the garlic powder. Let it sit at room temperature while you prep other ingredients.
  3. Grate your Parmesan cheese and mince your garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Steak & Broccoli

The goal is to cook the steak first, then use the same flavorful pan for the broccoli.

  1. Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and the 2 smashed garlic cloves. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare).
  2. Rest the Steak: Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Do not slice yet! This keeps the juices inside.
  3. Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, with the steak drippings and garlic, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. If the pan is too dry, add a splash of water to create steam to help cook it through. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

This sauce comes together quickly, so have everything measured and ready.

  1. Start the Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente.
  2. Create the Garlic Base: While the pasta cooks, return the skillet to medium heat. Melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60-90 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and add the optional nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and a pinch of white pepper. The sauce will thicken as it stands. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of the pasta water later.

Step 4: The Grand Finale – Combine Everything

  1. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
  2. Bring it All Together: Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Add the drained, hot spaghetti directly to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet.
  3. Toss and Emulsify: Add most of the cooked broccoli and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously over low heat. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
  4. Finish: Gently fold in the sliced steak and any accumulated juices from the cutting board.
  5. Serve Immediately: Divide among warm bowls. Garnish with the remaining broccoli, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Chef’s Tips for Perfection:

· Don’t Rush the Rest: Slicing the steak immediately will cause all the precious juices to run out, leaving you with dry meat. The 10-minute rest is non-negotiable.
· Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy and less smooth.
· Control the Heat: When making the sauce, keep the heat low after adding the cheese to prevent it from breaking or becoming oily.
· Customize It: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the entire dish.

This is a truly spectacular one-pan (plus a pot) meal that delivers on every level: tender steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Enjoy

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