Juicy Steak with Heavenly Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of dinner I make when I want to indulge in something rich, comforting, and restaurant-quality at home. The steak is pan-seared to perfection—tender, flavorful, and crusty on the outside—then smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish comes together quickly but feels so luxurious. The steak is juicy and satisfying, and the sauce—made with garlic, cream, and a touch of parmesan—takes it to the next level. It’s perfect for a special dinner, date night, or whenever I want something hearty and full of bold flavor. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything—from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies or pasta.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the steak:
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Garlic cloves (smashed)
For the garlic cream sauce:
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- I start by patting the steak dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, I add olive oil and sear the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- I add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and herbs to the skillet, basting the steak with the melted butter for added flavor.
- Once the steak is cooked to my liking, I remove it from the pan and let it rest while I prepare the sauce.
- In the same pan, I reduce the heat and add more butter with the minced garlic. I sauté it just until fragrant.
- I pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up the browned bits from the pan.
- I add grated parmesan and a small amount of Dijon mustard for extra flavor, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it over the rested steak and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 generous portions.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Resting and sauce time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add mushrooms to the garlic cream sauce for an earthy twist. When I want a kick, I stir in a dash of chili flakes or a splash of white wine. I’ve also used gorgonzola or blue cheese instead of parmesan for a bolder flavor. For a lighter option, I swap the cream for half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the steak and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth. I avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the steak and split the sauce.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
I usually go with ribeye for maximum flavor and tenderness, but sirloin and filet mignon also work beautifully.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky element. I still prepare the sauce in a pan and pour it over the grilled steak before serving.
How do I know when the steak is done?
I use a meat thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. I always let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I make the sauce in advance and reheat it gently over low heat. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it.
What sides go well with this dish?
I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. Pasta or polenta also make excellent pairings with the sauce.
Conclusion
Juicy Steak with Heavenly Garlic Cream Sauce is one of those meals I turn to when I want to treat myself or impress guests. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying from the first bite to the last. Whether I’m making it for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
PrintJuicy Steak with Heavenly Garlic Cream Sauce
Juicy Steak with Heavenly Garlic Cream Sauce is a decadent main dish featuring perfectly seared steak topped with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Ideal for date night or special occasions, it delivers bold flavors and a luxurious finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the steak:
- 2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- For the garlic cream sauce:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Add butter, smashed garlic, and herbs. Baste steaks with melted butter. Remove from skillet and rest.
- Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir and scrape browned bits. Add parmesan and Dijon mustard, if using.
- Simmer until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour sauce over rested steak and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness: 125°F (rare), 135°F (medium-rare), 145°F (medium).
- Add mushrooms, chili flakes, or white wine for extra flavor.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives if needed.
- Rest steak before slicing for best texture and juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
