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Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach

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Juicy steak bites, tender linguine, and fresh spinach come together in a rich cowboy butter cream sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and Dijon mustard. This pasta delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you crave something bold, buttery, and indulgent.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Pat steak pieces dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, scraping up any browned bits. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard and lemon juice, whisking until combined.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add cooked linguine, spinach, and steak bites back into the skillet. Toss to coat until spinach wilts and pasta is covered.
  8. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Let steak rest for a minute before adding back to sauce for extra juiciness.
  • Substitute ribeye with flank or sirloin steak, or use chicken for a lighter variation.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal