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
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Start the Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish: Gently fold in the sliced steak and any accumulated juices from the cutting board.
- 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