Imagine twirling a forkful of buttery noodles, kissed with garlic and crowned with juicy, perfectly seared steak. Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are the ultimate quick indulgence — a dish that looks fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender slices of steak, silky strands of noodles, and a garlicky butter sauce that clings to every bite, this recipe will quickly earn a top spot in your weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving a comforting plate of carbs and protein, this dish delivers big flavors with little effort. The contrast of the crispy-edged steak with the soft noodles and the hit of fresh herbs and chili flakes on top takes it over the edge. It’s weeknight magic you’ll come back to again and again.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this recipe, a quick-cooking, tender cut works best. Ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin are excellent choices because they sear beautifully and stay juicy. You want something marbled enough for flavor but not so tough it needs slow cooking. Slice it thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak): Provides the rich, meaty star of the dish.
Spaghetti or linguine noodles: Acts as the base, soaking up the butter sauce beautifully.
Butter: Forms the backbone of the silky, rich sauce.
Garlic: The main aromatic, adding depth and punch.
Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat and excitement.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds color.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds an extra savory layer, though the dish shines even without it.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or linguine until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat, add a drizzle of oil, and sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from the pan and let it rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles evenly.

Step 5: Slice the Steak and Finish

Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Plate the noodles, top with the sliced steak, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and, if you like, a generous shower of grated Parmesan.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Serve the noodles right away while they’re hot, letting the butter sauce shine and the steak stay juicy. A sprinkle of extra parsley or chili flakes at the table lets everyone customize their plate. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to bring the sauce back to life without drying out the steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the steak tender?

Make sure not to overcook it! Aim for medium-rare to medium and slice it thinly against the grain.

Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes! Udon, ramen, or even fettuccine can work. Just make sure they’re something that clings to sauce well.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the amount or skip them if you prefer it mild.

Can I make this ahead?

The noodles and sauce are best fresh, but you can sear the steak ahead and slice it just before serving.

What sides go well with this?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect light sides to balance the richness of the dish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a hearty twist with a creamy sauce. Or try One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta if you want to double down on garlic-butter flavors.

For something comforting and crowd-pleasing, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe. And if you’re looking for a cozy vegetarian option, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup might hit the spot.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Did you swap in a different cut of steak? Leave a comment below — I’m always curious how others bring their spin to it!

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A fast and flavorful dinner combining tender seared steak with buttery garlic noodles. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers indulgent, restaurant-worthy flavors right at home.

Ingredients

12 oz ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

3 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
Pat steak dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with a bit of oil, 2-3 minutes per side. Let rest.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
Toss noodles in garlic butter sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
Slice steak thinly against the grain. Serve over noodles, topped with parsley and Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner