What turns a simple steak into something you can’t stop thinking about? The sauce. Specifically, this Garlic Cream Sauce. It’s the kind of rich, velvety finish that takes a juicy, perfectly seared steak and turns it into a dinner you’ll crave weekly.
The magic lies in the sear—that deep, savory crust on the steak—followed by a pan-swirled sauce that’s garlicky, buttery, and infused with cream. It’s indulgent without being fussy, impressive without needing a steakhouse. Just one pan, simple ingredients, and bold flavor.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Cooking the perfect Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce calls for the right technique and the right tools:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for achieving that deep crusty sear and retaining heat evenly.
- Tongs: Helps flip the steak without piercing it, keeping all those juices inside.
- Meat Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of doneness.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce gently without damaging your pan.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For slicing the steak cleanly after resting.
With these tools, you’ll get precision on temperature, texture, and that luscious sauce consistency.

Ingredients for the Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: Marbled and tender, the base of the dish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Smashed and sautéed to infuse the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sear the steak.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation of the velvety sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the cream for extra depth.
- Fresh Thyme or Parsley (optional): Adds herbal brightness.
Each element serves a purpose—from creating the steak’s crust to enriching the creamy sauce with layers of flavor.
How To Make the Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear
Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crusty.
Step 2: Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest. This allows juices to redistribute and keeps every bite juicy.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat. In the same skillet, add butter and smashed garlic cloves. Let them sauté until fragrant. Pour in the cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Herbs
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add chopped herbs if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steak and drizzle the warm garlic cream sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Serving and Storing Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, spooned over sliced steak. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fancy twist, serve with a glass of red wine.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, filet mignon, or New York strip work beautifully. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best fresh. If needed, store it separately and reheat gently while stirring.
Is it okay to use light cream instead of heavy cream?
It works, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, stick with heavy cream.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast iron skillet holds heat well and gives the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s naturally low in carbs, just skip the bread or carb-heavy sides.
Want More Steak Dinner Ideas?
You might also love the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells if you want a bite-sized version with a creamy pasta pairing. For oven-based comfort, the Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast is an excellent alternative.
Looking for a bold one-pan option? The One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta brings together steak and garlic in a more rustic, saucy pasta dish.
For a seafood twist, explore the creamy richness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna — similar flavor vibes, new protein.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
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If you cook it, I’d love to hear your spin. Did you go heavy on garlic? Swap the herbs? Leave a comment and let me know what worked best for you.
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Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Juicy Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate skillet dinner—featuring seared steak, a buttery garlic-infused cream sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth richness perfect for a cozy meal or date night.
Ingredients
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until crusty.
3. Remove steaks and let them rest on a cutting board.
4. Lower the heat, add butter and smashed garlic cloves to the same skillet.
5. Once fragrant, pour in heavy cream and stir continuously.
6. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan and herbs.
7. Slice rested steak and drizzle with warm garlic cream sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Let steaks rest before slicing to keep them juicy and tender.
Cast iron skillets give the best crust for this recipe.
For added flavor, use fresh thyme and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Steak Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg


