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- 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Cherry tomatoes, halved Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine brings rich flavors to your table. The main stars here are the pasta and flank steak. Flank steak is juicy and tender when cooked right. Use thin slices for even cooking. The butter adds a creamy touch to the dish. It mixes well with garlic and lemon. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Lemon brightens the flavor with zest and juice. Smoked paprika brings warmth, while cayenne adds a kick. Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice level. Don't forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the other tastes. For a fresh touch, add parsley and cherry tomatoes. They add color and a burst of flavor. The Parmesan cheese completes the dish. It makes it rich and savory. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. You can easily find these ingredients at your local store. With just a few steps, you create a meal everyone will love. Enjoy the process and savor your Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine! {{ingredient_image_1}} Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of linguine. Cook it until al dente, as the package says. Drain the pasta and keep half a cup of the water. Set the pasta aside. Take 1 lb of flank steak and slice it thin. Season it well with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let it sit for a bit to soak up the flavors. Heat 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak in one layer. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until it turns brown. Cook it to your liking. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest. Lower the heat in the skillet. Add the rest of the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Cook for around 30 seconds. Make sure the garlic does not burn; you want it fragrant. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cowboy butter mix. Toss the pasta to coat it well. If it seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add half of the chopped parsley. Mix it all together. Slice the rested steak into bite-sized pieces. Plate the linguine and top it with the sliced steak. Garnish with the rest of the parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Add cherry tomatoes if you like. Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine! To achieve the best sear, use high heat. Preheat your skillet until it’s hot. Add a bit of melted butter to the pan. Place the seasoned flank steak in a single layer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This helps create a nice crust. Flip the steak and sear the other side. Rest the steak for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. Want to boost flavor? Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. If you like zest, add more lemon zest for brightness. Chopped scallions or fresh basil can add depth too. Feel free to get creative with your spices. Make it your own! For perfect al dente pasta, follow the package instructions. Start with boiling salted water. Add the linguine and stir it right away to prevent sticking. Check doneness 1-2 minutes before the time is up. The pasta should be firm but not hard. When ready, drain it but save some cooking water. This starchy water can help your sauce stick. Pro Tips Rest the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic elevate the flavor profile of this dish. Opt for fresh whenever possible! Add Color: Cherry tomatoes not only add a pop of color but also a fresh sweetness that complements the richness of the butter. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine. Start by swapping the flank steak for mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies absorb flavor well. Sauté them in the cowboy butter for that rich taste. Use your favorite plant-based pasta for a great texture. You can also add bell peppers or asparagus for extra color and crunch. If you love heat, add more spices to your Cowboy Butter. Consider using crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder. These spices will give your dish a kick. You can also try different pepper types, like jalapeños or serranos. Mix the spices into the butter as it cooks for even flavor. This adds a new layer to the dish. For a creamy version, mix in heavy cream or sour cream. After adding the garlic to the butter, pour in the cream. Stir until it's smooth and thick. This will give your pasta a rich, velvety texture. You can also add a bit of cheese, like cream cheese or ricotta, for extra creaminess. This variation feels indulgent and comforting. To keep your Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It should stay good for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture before reheating. If you want to save your Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into single servings for easy access. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. To reheat your Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine, use a skillet for the best flavor. Heat it over medium-low heat and add a splash of water or broth. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy every bite like it's fresh! Linguine is great for this dish. It holds sauce well and pairs nicely with steak. You can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even pappardelle. All these pastas will soak up the cowboy butter and lemon flavors. Yes! Flank steak is tasty, but other cuts work too. You can use sirloin, skirt, or even ribeye for a richer flavor. If you're on a budget, try using ground beef or chuck roast. Just slice them thinly to keep the cooking time short. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the linguine with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options like rice, corn, or chickpea pasta. Just cook them according to the package instructions. You can! Make the cowboy butter ahead. Just mix the butter, garlic, and lemon zest, then store it in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, just reheat it in the skillet. This saves time on busy weeknights! This blog post shared a simple and tasty way to make Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine. We covered the main ingredients like flank steak, linguine, and garlic butter. I walked you through each step, from cooking pasta to preparing the steak. You learned tips to perfect your dish and explored fun variations. Enjoy creating this meal! It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. You can experiment with flavors that fit your taste. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine

A flavorful and rustic pasta dish featuring tender flank steak and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 unit juice of 1/2 lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • Season the flank steak slices with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Make sure to coat each piece evenly.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and allow it to rest.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the drained linguine into the skillet with the garlic-butter mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed for moisture. Add the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley, mixing well.
  • Slice the rested steak into bite-sized pieces. Plate the linguine and top it with the sliced steak. Garnish with the remaining parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes if using.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper for spice tolerance. Optional cherry tomatoes can add freshness.
Keyword butter, linguine, pasta, steak