Creamy Steak & Baby Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti

Elevate your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with this luxurious Creamy Steak & Baby Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti. This dish masterfully combines tender, perfectly seared steak and vibrant baby broccoli with silky, rich Alfredo sauce, all coating al dente spaghetti. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors: the robust savoriness of the steak, the slight crunch and earthy notes of the broccolini, and the decadent creaminess of the Parmesan-infused sauce. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated meal that comes together surprisingly quickly, making it ideal for a special family dinner or an impressive date night at home. Indulge in the harmonious blend of hearty steak and delicate pasta, all unified by a dreamy, homemade Alfredo.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Pasta & Vegetables:

• 13 oz (about 370g) spaghetti (or fettuccine)
• 3 cups (approx. 300g) baby broccoli (broccolini), trimmed
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Steak:

• 1 lb (approx. 450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak recommended), trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing steak)

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1¼ cups (120g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Reserved ½ cup pasta water (from cooking spaghetti)

Optional Garnishes & Seasonings:

• Red pepper flakes, to taste (for a hint of heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cracked black pepper, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Cook the Pasta and Baby Broccoli

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Add Baby Broccoli: During the last 2-3 minutes of the spaghetti’s cooking time, add the trimmed baby broccoli to the pot with the pasta. This ensures they cook together and are perfectly tender-crisp.
4. Drain & Reserve: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Then, drain the spaghetti and baby broccoli thoroughly and set aside.

Part 2: Sear the Steak

1. Season Steak: While the pasta cooks, season the steak cubes generously with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
2. Heat Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
3. Sear Steak: Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare for tenderness, or longer if preferred).
4. Remove Steak: Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Part 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet (no need to clean it; the beef drippings add flavor). Once melted, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add Cream & Milk: Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
3. Whisk in Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the 1¼ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Add red pepper flakes now if desired.

Part 4: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti, baby broccoli, and seared steak back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss Gently: Toss everything gently to ensure all the pasta, steak, and broccoli are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water.
3. Serve: Divide the Creamy Steak & Baby Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti among serving plates. Garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Steak Cut: Ribeye offers the best flavor and tenderness for this dish. Sirloin or flank steak are good alternatives, but flank steak should be sliced against the grain after cooking.
• Vegetable Substitutions: You can swap baby broccoli for regular broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or even spinach (stirred in at the very end).
• Spice up the Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the steak seasoning for a bit more kick.
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
• Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! Its starchiness helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a luxurious, silky texture.
• Make Ahead: While best served fresh, the steak and broccoli can be prepped in advance. The sauce can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water if it thickens too much.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Pairings

• Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon would pair well with the steak, or a rich white like an oaked Chardonnay for a creamier complement.
• Side: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Bread: Crusty garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Italian-American / Comfort Food