Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach is a deliciously comforting meal that combines tender steak pieces with a rich, buttery sauce. The addition of spinach and Parmesan makes it a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: Pat steak pieces dry and season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt butter, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice, whisking until combined.
- Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Add cooked linguine, spinach, and steak bites back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce until spinach wilts and pasta is evenly covered.
- Step 8: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Step 9: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use ribeye for a more tender and flavorful steak, or sirloin for a leaner option.
- Swap fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired for a different flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a cream alternative.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Cook steak bites until they develop a nice brown crust on the outside but remain tender inside, about 1–2 minutes per side. Thicker pieces may need longer; avoid overcrowding the pan for the best sear.
PrintCreamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach Recipe
A rich and indulgent Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine featuring tender seared steak bites, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly cooked linguine noodles are tossed in a decadent garlic butter sauce enhanced with smoky paprika, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon, making for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Garnish
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Season Steak: Pat steak pieces dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter, scraping up any browned bits left from the steak to enhance flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice, whisking well until combined into the butter-garlic base.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return cooked linguine, fresh spinach, and seared steak bites to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients in the creamy sauce and allow the spinach to wilt evenly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
- Use sirloin or ribeye for best flavor and tenderness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less rich sauce.
- Make sure to sear steak bites quickly on high heat to retain juiciness.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish—don’t skip it.
Keywords: creamy linguine, steak bites, cowboy butter sauce, spinach pasta, easy steak pasta recipe, Parmesan cream sauce
