There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the sweet scent of roasted carrots filling your kitchen, and tender, juicy steak bites sizzling in a hot skillet. This Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine with Roasted Carrots & Garlic is the perfect dish to make any evening feel special. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner after a long day, planning a weekend indulgence, or looking to impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe hits every mark.

Inspired by the rich flavors of classic cowboy butter—a velvety, garlicky sauce traditionally served with steak—this recipe takes it one step further by incorporating al dente linguine and sweet roasted carrots. The combination of hearty pasta, tender steak, and buttery sauce makes each bite a celebration of comfort and flavor. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for a special occasion, this dish has quickly become a favorite in many kitchens.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine pasta

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes

• 2 cups carrots, sliced into thin sticks

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup chicken or beef broth

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

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Directions

1. Roast the Carrots

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, toss the carrot sticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, which perfectly complements the rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce.

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2. Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

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3. Sear the Steak

Season the steak bites with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.

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4. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich, velvety, and perfectly garlicky.

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5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked steak and roasted carrots to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine. Toss gently to coat all ingredients in the cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of steak, pasta, and roasted carrots coated in that luscious, garlicky sauce.

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6. Serve & Garnish

Plate the linguine with steak and roasted carrots immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

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Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Steak Linguine

1. Choose the right cut of steak: Sirloin and ribeye work best for this recipe because they remain tender when seared. Avoid leaner cuts like round steak, which can become tough.

2. Roast carrots for maximum flavor: Don’t skip roasting. It caramelizes the sugars in the carrots, creating a natural sweetness that balances the rich butter and garlic sauce.

3. Don’t overcook the steak: Steak bites cook quickly. Sear on high heat for just a few minutes per side, depending on size, to ensure they remain juicy.

4. Use fresh garlic: While pre-minced garlic works, fresh garlic will give your sauce a brighter, more aromatic flavor.

5. Pasta water magic: Keep a small amount of pasta water when draining the linguine. Adding a splash can help the sauce adhere better and create a silky texture.

6. Customize your vegetables: While carrots are perfect here, you can also roast bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for variety.

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Why This Recipe Works

The sweetness of roasted carrots balances the richness of the garlicky cowboy butter sauce, while the tender steak bites provide a hearty protein boost. Linguine is the perfect pasta choice, as it holds onto the creamy sauce without becoming heavy. Every element in this dish works together to create a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, making it perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings.

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Variations & Enhancements

1. Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthy flavors that complement the steak beautifully. Add them to the skillet when making the sauce.

2. Spice it up: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle heat that enhances the richness.

3. Make it cheesy: Add extra parmesan or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, cheesy twist.

4. Lighter version: Substitute half the butter with olive oil for a lighter sauce that still packs flavor.

5. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free linguine to make this recipe accessible to everyone without sacrificing taste.

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Pairings and Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dish further, consider these pairings:

• Side salad: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce.

• Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

• Roasted vegetables: Add more roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for a colorful plate.

• Wine pairing: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness of the steak and garlic butter sauce.

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Storage and Leftovers

This dish is just as delicious the next day. Store leftover linguine, steak, and roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. For longer storage, you can also freeze individual portions for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Health Benefits

While indulgent, this dish contains several nutritious elements:

• Steak: High in protein and iron, perfect for muscle repair and energy.

• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and K, promoting eye health and digestion.

• Garlic: Offers immune-boosting compounds and enhances heart health.

• Olive oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

By balancing indulgence with nutrient-rich ingredients, this recipe satisfies cravings while still nourishing the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe recommends sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts such as strip steak or tenderloin. The key is to choose a cut that cooks quickly and remains juicy. Leaner cuts, like round or chuck, can become tough if overcooked, so if you opt for those, consider marinating the meat beforehand or cooking it to medium-rare to retain tenderness. Always cut the steak into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal texture when tossed with the pasta and sauce.

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2. How do I ensure my linguine doesn’t stick together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to use a large pot of salted boiling water and stir the pasta occasionally during cooking. Cook the linguine until al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite. Once drained, you can toss it lightly with a teaspoon of olive oil or add it directly to the cowboy butter sauce while still warm, which helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Keeping a small cup of pasta water is also helpful—it can be added to the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth, silky texture.

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3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep or advance cooking. You can roast the carrots and sear the steak a day ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pasta and sauce can also be prepared in advance, then gently reheated together in a skillet with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, or frozen in individual portions for up to a month. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent overcooking the steak or drying out the pasta.

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4. Can I modify the vegetables or make it vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! While roasted carrots are the star in this recipe, other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the steak and add hearty vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth will maintain the rich flavor of the cowboy butter sauce. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and ensures the dish remains flavorful, satisfying, and full of texture.

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