Get ready for a flavor adventure that combines the best of a hearty steak dinner with the comfort of a delicious pasta dish! Our Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine with Roasted Carrots brings together tender, perfectly cooked steak coated in a vibrant, zesty 'cowboy butter' sauce, tossed with al dente linguine, and complemented by sweet, caramelized roasted carrots. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that's surprisingly easy to achieve.
The Magic of Cowboy Butter
If you haven't experienced the magic of cowboy butter yet, you're in for a treat! This compound butter is a game-changer, elevating simple ingredients with its blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon. It's incredibly versatile, fantastic on grilled meats, vegetables, or even just spread on a crusty piece of bread. In this recipe, it transforms ordinary steak into something truly extraordinary, adding a depth of flavor that coats every strand of linguine.
Perfectly Roasted Carrots: A Sweet & Earthy Companion
While the steak and linguine take center stage, the roasted carrots are far from a supporting act. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a tender-crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the steak and pasta. Sliced into thin sticks or coins, they caramelize nicely in the oven, adding both vibrant color and a healthy dose of vitamins to your plate.
Tips for Crafting Your Best Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine
Choosing and Preparing Your Steak
For this recipe, sirloin or ribeye works wonderfully, offering a great balance of tenderness and flavor. Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces before cooking. This ensures quick and even searing, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful crust. Remember, a good Quality Chef's Knife makes prep work much easier!
Mastering the Linguine
The key to perfect pasta is cooking it ‘al dente’ — tender yet firm to the bite. Always follow package instructions and taste-test a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it's just right. Reserve some of the pasta water; its starchiness is essential for creating a silky sauce that truly clings to the linguine and steak.
Bringing It All Together
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. The bold flavors of the cowboy butter steak are mellowed by the pasta and brightened by the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Don't be shy with seasoning, and always taste as you go to adjust to your preference. This dish is designed to impress with minimal fuss!
Whether you're looking for a new weeknight favorite or a dish to wow guests, this Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine with Roasted Carrots is guaranteed to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire. It's comforting, elegant, and packed with irresistible flavors. Enjoy!
FAQs
What is 'Cowboy Butter'?
Cowboy Butter is a rich, herbaceous compound butter typically made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, chives, parsley, and other seasonings. It's fantastic for enhancing the flavor of steaks, seafood, and vegetables.
What's the best way to cook steak for linguine?
For linguine, quickly sear bite-sized steak pieces in a hot pan or cast iron skillet to achieve a good crust while keeping the inside tender. Cooking them in smaller pieces allows for faster and more even cooking, perfect for mixing with pasta.
Can I use different vegetables instead of carrots?
Absolutely! While roasted carrots add a lovely sweetness and earthiness, you could substitute or add other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Adjust roasting times as needed for different vegetables.
How do I prevent my linguine from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to use a large pot with plenty of salted water. Stir the linguine frequently in the first few minutes of cooking. Also, avoid rinsing the cooked pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better. A drizzle of olive oil after draining can also help.
Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine with Roasted Carrots
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian-Friendly (if steak replaced with fish)
Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender steak coated in zesty cowboy butter, tossed with linguine and sweet roasted carrots.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups carrots, sliced into thin sticks or coins
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sliced carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 2: While carrots roast, cook the linguine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the butter mixture.
Step 7: Add the cooked linguine, seared steak, and roasted carrots to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss well to combine.
Step 8: If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cowboy butter. You can also mix in some spinach at the end for added greens.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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