Bold, buttery, steakhouse-style pasta
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites and Spinach is the kind of bold, comfort-packed dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but fits perfectly into a busy weeknight. Juicy seared steak bites are tossed with tender linguine, fresh spinach, and a rich cowboy butter–inspired cream sauce loaded with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat. It’s indulgent without being fussy and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. If you love steak pasta recipes and easy creamy dinners, this one hits every craving with big, buttery flavor 🤠✨.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
✨ 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 pot for pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Colander
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain 🍝. - Sear the steak bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and juicy. Remove from skillet and set aside 🥩. - Make the cowboy butter base
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and Dijon. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. - Create the creamy sauce
Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Stir in Parmesan until smooth 🧈. - Combine everything
Add cooked linguine and spinach to the skillet. Toss until spinach wilts. Return steak bites to the pan and gently mix. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed. - Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot while creamy and irresistible 😍.
💡 Pro Tips
- Best steak choice: Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work beautifully.
- Extra heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or more chili flakes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Swap pasta: Fettuccine or penne are great alternatives if needed.