There’s nothing quite like a juicy, pan-seared steak finished with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of my go-to recipes when I want something indulgent, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. The tender, flavorful meat paired with the smooth, Parmesan-kissed sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal right in my own kitchen—and it’s easier to make than you might think.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it fits any occasion—whether I’m cooking a romantic dinner, feeding friends, or just treating myself after a long day. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make. The creamy garlic sauce brings so much depth to the steak, and I can easily adjust the flavors to suit my mood. It’s the kind of meal that always feels like a treat.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon—all work beautifully)
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Prepare the Steak:
I start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. Then I season it generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning helps form a beautiful crust when seared. - Heat the Pan:
I preheat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I add a drizzle of olive oil and let it shimmer. - Sear the Steak:
I place the steak into the hot pan and let it sear without moving it for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and how I like it cooked. Once done, I remove the steak from the pan and let it rest while I make the sauce. - Make the Garlic Sauce:
I reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. I add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. - Finish the Sauce:
I pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Then I stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. I season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
I slice the rested steak and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. I sometimes garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a little extra color and aroma.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people generously and takes about 25–30 minutes total, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Variations
- I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra kick.
- For an herby twist, I stir in fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic.
- I’ve served this over mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, or roasted vegetables—anything to soak up that sauce.
- If I want a richer finish, I add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave, and I warm the sauce separately, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it if needed. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce can separate once thawed.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
I usually go with ribeye for its marbling and flavor, but sirloin or filet mignon also work beautifully. Any tender, boneless cut will do well here.
How do I know when my steak is done?
I use a meat thermometer for precision:
- Rare: 120–125°F
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Medium-well: 150–155°F
- Well-done: 160°F+
Can I use milk instead of cream?
I’ve tried it, but cream gives the sauce its signature richness. If I want a lighter option, I use half-and-half, but the texture will be thinner.
What can I serve this with?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the garlic sauce. I also love serving it with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a balanced plate.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes make the sauce a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before serving. I just keep the heat low and stir to maintain its creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of meal that makes any night feel special. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether I’m looking to impress or just want a little indulgence at home, this recipe never fails to deliver that steakhouse satisfaction.
PrintJuicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pan-seared steak topped with a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. This restaurant-quality dish is easy to make at home and perfect for a special dinner or indulgent weeknight treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Remove and let rest.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the same pan and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice steaks and serve with garlic sauce spooned over top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a herby twist.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 145mg