Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a fast, flavor-packed dish made with tender steak, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s a rich and comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a few simple ingredients into something incredibly satisfying. The steak is seared just right, the garlic butter sauce adds creaminess and depth, and the noodles soak up all the flavors beautifully. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, everything comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes for me to clean.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz linguine
1 lb sirloin steak
2 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

I start by cooking the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I season the steak with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I melt one tablespoon of butter and sear the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side until it’s cooked to my liking. I remove it from the pan and let it rest.
Using the same skillet, I add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute.
Then I pour in the heavy cream, add the Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
I toss the cooked noodles into the sauce, stirring to coat them well.
After slicing the steak thinly, I lay it over the noodles and serve it immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

For more heat, I like adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
To make it vegetarian, I substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Sometimes I throw in some baby spinach or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
I swap linguine with rice noodles or spaghetti depending on what I have on hand.
For a different protein, I’ve tried this with shrimp and chicken—both work great.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I prefer using a skillet with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
I avoid freezing this dish because the noodles tend to get too soft and lose their texture.

FAQs

How do I keep the steak tender?

I let the steak rest after cooking and always slice it thinly against the grain. This helps keep it juicy and tender.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, I’ve used flank steak, ribeye, and even leftover roast beef. Anything tender works well here.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

I’ve made the sauce with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and butter in a pinch. It’s still creamy and delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook the steak and noodles ahead and store them separately. Then I reheat and combine them just before serving.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I reduce or omit the red pepper flakes when cooking for kids, and they always love the buttery noodles and steak.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is one of those dishes I turn to when I need something comforting, quick, and flavorful. The creamy garlic sauce, tender steak, and slurp-worthy noodles make for a perfect combination. Whether I’m feeding the family or just treating myself, this recipe never fails to satisfy.

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a quick, comforting dish made with tender sirloin steak, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Season the steak with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked to desired doneness. Remove from pan and let rest.
In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Toss cooked noodles into the sauce and stir to coat well.
Slice the steak thinly and lay it over the noodles. Serve immediately.