Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy without all the fuss? Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is your new go-to. This dish brings sizzling steak strips, silky garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta spirals together in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for those nights when you want a gourmet experience without restaurant prices.

The noodles soak up all that garlicky, buttery flavor while the seared steak adds that irresistible bite. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly crave-worthy. If you’re into bold, creamy pasta dishes that still feel light enough for a weekday meal, this recipe is calling your name.

What Cut of Steak Is Best for Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles?

For the most tender and juicy result, ribeye or sirloin work beautifully in this dish. They cook quickly and hold their texture well when sliced thin. If you’re aiming for a leaner cut, flank or skirt steak are great too—just make sure to slice against the grain.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Ribeye Steak: Brings rich marbling and flavor. Sliced thin, it sears fast and stays juicy.

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the buttery garlic sauce.

Garlic Cloves: You’ll want them fresh and finely minced for maximum punch.

Butter: Unsalted works best so you can control the saltiness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and creamy texture to the noodles.

Parsley: For that vibrant, fresh finish.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and pasta layers.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

In a large skillet over high heat, sear the sliced ribeye in a touch of olive oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned but still juicy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to create a silky emulsion.

Step 4: Toss Pasta in Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the garlic butter mixture and toss well to coat. Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and mix until melty and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Top the buttery noodles with the seared steak slices. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of cheese if you like. Serve hot!

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Serve this dish fresh out of the skillet while everything is warm and melty. If you’re prepping ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles?

Creamy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

The rich creaminess of Brussels sprouts pairs so well with the garlicky noodles.

Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

Garlic Breadsticks

Double the garlic, double the fun. Perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Add a touch of earthy sweetness with these perfectly crisp potatoes.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Make it a pasta night duo! This skillet meal adds another layer of comfort.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles hit the spot, you might also love these Savor Queen favorites:

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe with mushrooms or a touch of heat from red pepper flakes? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your version in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving something hearty, quick, and absolutely packed with flavor? Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a dream come true for steak and pasta lovers alike. Juicy, pan-seared ribeye is paired with buttery garlic noodles that wrap around every bite like a flavor hug. This easy dinner idea comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or when you’re just hungry for something downright delicious. Great for fans of quick dinner recipes, one-skillet meals, and food ideas that don’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner inspiration, healthy-ish comfort food, or crave-worthy pasta dishes, this one checks every box.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear sliced ribeye for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine, creating a silky garlic butter sauce.

5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until all noodles are coated. Add parmesan and stir until melted.

6. Return steak to the skillet or place it on top of the noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.