Bold, buttery steakhouse pasta
This Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine is the ultimate comfort-meets-steakhouse dinner—rich, garlicky butter sauce, juicy pan-seared steak, and tender linguine all brought together in one irresistible bowl. Finished with roasted carrots and fresh parsley, it feels elevated yet totally doable on a busy weeknight. The cowboy butter adds big flavor fast, making this recipe perfect when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers bold flavor, cozy vibes, and serious wow-factor with minimal effort.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
Steak & Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1½ lb sirloin or ribeye steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Roasted Carrots
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Extra chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Roast the carrots 🥕
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized. - Cook the pasta 🍝
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. - Sear the steak 🔥
Pat steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare) or to desired doneness. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. - Make the cowboy butter 🧈
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon, paprika, chili flakes, lemon juice, and parsley. Sauce should be glossy and aromatic. - Combine everything ✨
Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky sauce. Top with sliced steak and gently toss again. - Serve & finish 🌿
Plate pasta with roasted carrots on the side. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- Steak choice: Ribeye gives richer flavor; sirloin is leaner and budget-friendly.
- Don’t overcook garlic: Keep it quick to avoid bitterness.
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter.