Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this delicious Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. This decadent dish combines tender, seared steak bites with a rich, velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce, finished with a sprinkle of tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for a special dinner or date night, this dish brings together bold flavors and luxurious textures that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Let’s dive into the recipe to create this mouthwatering steak and pasta dish.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 1 pound steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, pappardelle, or your preferred pasta
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried rosemary or thyme. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly bubbly.
- Cook the Steak: Add the seasoned steak pieces to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Deglaze (Optional): For added flavor, deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Remove and Rest: Transfer the steak pieces to a plate and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt completely.
- Add the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, whisking until both cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Simmer: Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of pasta water or additional cream.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If needed, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Add the Steak: Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to combine them with the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with additional crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Helpful Notes:
- Choose the Right Steak: For the most tender and flavorful results, use cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon.
- Control the Heat: When making the sauce, keep the heat medium to low to prevent the cream from curdling or the cheese from burning.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it to al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Giada De Laurentiis: Recommends finishing the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an added touch of luxury.
- Gordon Ramsay: Suggests resting the steak for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices and enhance flavor.
- Ina Garten: Advises adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a subtle acidity that balances the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with blue cheese, Roquefort, or even feta for a different flavor profile. - Can I make this dish with chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken breast or thigh, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and cook until fully done. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat before adding to the pasta. - What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, pappardelle, or linguine work great for this creamy sauce, but any pasta shape you prefer will do. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like cheese and cream, are gluten-free. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the steak and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version. - Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Try adding steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added color and nutrition. - How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan and Gorgonzola and melt them slowly over low heat to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. - Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze it. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore its texture. - What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a luxurious and flavorful dish that brings the best of both worlds to your table—tender steak bites and a rich, cheesy pasta sauce. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting, indulgent meal, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, and savor every bite with your loved ones!
