Introduction
This dish brings together tender, seared steak, silky linguine, and a rich roasted-garlic cream sauce. Roasting the garlic transforms it into a sweet, buttery paste that melts seamlessly into the sauce, giving it deep flavor without harshness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight indulgence or an impressive date-night dinner, this pasta feels luxurious while staying simple and approachable.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Steak
- 1 steak (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip), 10–12 oz
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole bulb of garlic
- 1–2 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 250 g (8–9 oz) linguine
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional—replace with broth if preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (plus extra for serving)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions & Method
1. Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Wrap tightly in foil and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Once cooled, squeeze out the roasted garlic into a small bowl and mash into a paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Steak
- Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak and cook:
- 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare
- 4–5 minutes per side for medium
- In the last minute, add 1 tbsp butter and spoon it over the steak.
- Remove, let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
4. Make the Creamy Roasted-Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet (don’t wipe it!), reduce heat to medium.
- Add 1 tbsp butter and the diced shallot; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the roasted garlic paste and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) and simmer until reduced by half.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer on low until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen and silkify the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bring It All Together
- Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat.
- If needed, add more pasta water to reach a creamy, glossy consistency.
- Plate the pasta and top with sliced steak.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy
Creamy, garlicky, steak-topped perfection! Enjoy this with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables—and maybe a glass of wine to match the richness.