Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Medium

Servings: 2

Introduction

If you want to impress with a rich, restaurant-style dinner at home, Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fantastic choice. This recipe delivers perfectly seared steaks paired with a luscious, velvety garlic cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s simple but elegant, making it ideal for date nights, special occasions, or anytime you want a satisfying, indulgent meal.

The garlic sauce is rich but balanced with a hint of acidity from lemon juice or white wine, which cuts through the creaminess and complements the robust flavor of the steak. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
• Tongs
• Small saucepan (optional)
• Spoon or whisk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Remove steaks from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steaks and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for preferred doneness). During the last minute of cooking, add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and herbs to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks to baste and add flavor.

Remove steaks from the pan and let rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.

Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Add lemon juice or white wine to brighten the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

Place the steaks on plates and spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Juicy Steak

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat and perfect sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook steaks one or two at a time for best results.
• Let steaks rest before slicing to keep juices locked in.
• Adjust garlic in the sauce based on your preference — more garlic for bolder flavor!
• For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	45g
Total Fat	38g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	600mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve this steak with creamy garlic sauce alongside:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad
• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Conclusion

This Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is a perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s straightforward enough for home cooks but impressive enough for special meals. Next time you crave a steakhouse experience at home, try this recipe for tender, flavorful steak with a silky, garlicky sauce that elevates every bite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4

Introduction

Looking for a quick, bright, and satisfying pasta dish that tastes like spring in a bowl? Look no further than Zesty Lemon Ricotta and Spinach Pasta. This creamy, comforting, and fresh recipe balances the richness of ricotta cheese with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of spinach — a combination that’s both elegant and easy to pull off on a busy weeknight.

With just a few pantry staples and about 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels both luxurious and light. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone who wants to skip the meat without missing the flavor. This dish is also endlessly adaptable — add peas, grilled chicken, or herbs depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Let’s dive into this Italian-inspired dish that’s creamy without being heavy, zesty without being overpowering, and cozy without being boring.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz short pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Microplane or grater for zesting
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer or colander

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water — this will help loosen the sauce and make it silky.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown!).

Add the baby spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce

Turn heat to low. Stir in:

• Ricotta cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Mix well to combine everything into a creamy base. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to help loosen the sauce. You may not need the full ½ cup — use just enough to reach your desired consistency.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles in the lemon-ricotta sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan if using — it will add richness and umami.

Cook together for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and top with:

• More Parmesan (if desired)
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Fresh basil or chopped parsley
• An extra twist of lemon zest for brightness

Serve hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh ricotta for best texture and flavor, but store-bought will work fine.
• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans.
• Want more veg? Add blanched peas, asparagus tips, or zucchini ribbons.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based ricotta, skip the Parmesan, and swap butter/oil as needed.
• Don’t overcook the garlic! It can become bitter — keep the heat moderate and watch carefully.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk, water, or broth to restore creaminess.
• Not freezer-friendly due to ricotta’s texture change when frozen.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	240mg
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g
Protein	18g

Note: Based on a serving with Parmesan and full-fat ricotta. Adjust according to your specific ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Light and refreshing — a break from heavy sauces
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
• Perfect for spring or summer meals
• Customizable and elegant enough for guests

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Serve alongside a green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Add crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side
• Finish with a lemon sorbet or panna cotta for a light dessert

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Ricotta and Spinach Pasta is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something deeply satisfying. With its fresh citrusy notes, creamy ricotta, and vibrant greens, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and elegance — ideal for quick weeknight dinners, romantic date nights, or an easy but impressive meal with friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this pasta delivers bold flavor and simple preparation. Give it a try, and it may just become your go-to for when you want something fresh, fast, and delicious.