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Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach

Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free optional (if using gluten-free pasta)

Description

Creamy Cowboy Butter Linguine with Steak Bites & Spinach is a warm, rich, and comforting dish that balances tender, juicy steak bites with vibrant spinach and linguine coated in a luscious, smoky, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and satisfies every craving.


Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

  • 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for searing)

Pasta & Greens

  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Reserved pasta water, about 1 cup

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak Bites: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter or oil. Sear the steak bites until browned on all sides but still juicy inside. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in paprika, chili powder, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Gradually whisk in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy texture.
  4. Combine Pasta and Spinach: Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly while the spinach gently wilts in the heat.
  5. Add Steak Bites and Finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta and sauce until heated through. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Let the steak bites rest before adding them back to the pasta to keep them juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
  • Use fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish to brighten the rich flavors.
  • Add spinach just before finishing to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
  • Choose high-quality unsalted butter for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: creamy linguine, cowboy butter, steak bites, spinach pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal