Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce

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When comfort food meets indulgent luxury, this Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is the show-stopping dish that satisfies every craving. Tender steak bites seared to perfection and bathed in rich garlic butter are served alongside a creamy, velvety linguine smothered in a blend of four luscious cheeses. The result? A mouthwatering combination of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness on one plate.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a weekend meal to impress guests, this dish never fails to deliver. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and every bite melts in your mouth with a buttery finish. It’s that perfect balance of hearty steakhouse flavor and pasta comfort.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, let’s set the kitchen stage with the right equipment:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Crucial for achieving a perfect sear on your steak cubes, locking in the juices while crisping the outer edges beautifully.
  • Large Saucepan or Pasta Pot: Needed for boiling the linguine and later tossing it in that creamy cheese sauce.
  • Fine Grater: Helps in grating cheeses fresh, which melt more evenly and give a smoother, silkier sauce compared to pre-shredded ones.
  • Garlic Press or Microplane: Extracts maximum flavor from the garlic, making that garlic butter absolutely irresistible.
  • Tongs and Whisk: Tongs help manage the steak easily while a whisk ensures your cheese sauce emulsifies without clumping.

Having these tools ready not only makes cooking smoother but enhances the quality of the final result. A good sear, a creamy sauce, and a well-coated pasta start with the right equipment.


Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building rich flavor and texture:

  • Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: These cuts offer tenderness and bold flavor, perfect for juicy, bite-sized steak cubes.
  • Garlic Cloves: The soul of the garlic butter, they infuse savory aroma and depth.
  • Unsalted Butter: Acts as the base for the garlic sauce, letting you control the salt level.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with an even sear and prevents the butter from burning.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning both steak and pasta.
  • Linguine Pasta: Its flat shape catches the creamy sauce in all the right ways.
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the silky backbone of the cheese sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds thickness and a subtle tang.
  • Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina Cheeses: These melt beautifully to create a luxurious, stretchy, and flavorful sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds freshness and a pop of color for presentation.
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How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Pat your steak dry and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic simmer until golden and fragrant. Toss the steak back in to coat. Turn off heat.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina. Add pasta water if needed for thinning.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked linguine in the cheese sauce until fully coated. Plate next to the garlic butter steak bites and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.


Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine

Serve this dish immediately while everything is hot and creamy. The steak should be tender with a crisp edge, and the linguine richly coated in melted cheese. For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper elevate the look beautifully.

To store leftovers, place the steak and linguine in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Reheat the steak in a skillet to keep its texture intact—avoid microwaving if possible.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually to warm—not boiling—cream. Whisk constantly to create a smooth sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne work well. Just choose a pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce.

What’s the best cut of steak for this dish?

Ribeye and sirloin are great choices due to their tenderness and marbling. Filet mignon is another premium option if you want to go extra fancy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and cheese sauce in advance, but cook the pasta fresh to ensure the best texture.

How do I add a little spice?

Crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne in the cheese sauce can add a gentle kick.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Greek yogurt is another option, but adds a tangier flavor.


Want More Steak and Pasta Ideas?

If this Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine has your taste buds singing, you’re going to love these other delicious creations from Life With Olivia:


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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra cheesy? Try a different cut of steak? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Your kitchen experiments inspire mine—let’s share and learn together!


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Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is a decadent dinner option that combines juicy, pan-seared steak bites with rich, velvety linguine tossed in a creamy blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and cream cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, offering bold flavor and satisfying comfort in one elegant plate.


Ingredients

1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

12 oz linguine pasta

1 ½ cups heavy cream

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

½ cup Fontina cheese, shredded

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)


Instructions

1. Pat the steak dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Lower the heat, add butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook until garlic is golden and fragrant. Return steak to pan and coat in garlic butter. Turn off heat.

4. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

5. In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir until smooth.

6. Slowly add mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina. Whisk until fully melted. Add pasta water to thin if needed.

7. Toss linguine in cheese sauce until evenly coated.

8. Serve hot alongside garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded can make it gritty.

Let the steak rest after cooking to keep juices inside.

Add a splash of pasta water if the cheese sauce is too thick.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 630mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: garlic butter steak, cheesy pasta, steak linguine, four cheese sauce

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