Pan-Seared Steak in Rich Parmesan Garlic Cream Sauce
This Pan-Seared Steak with Parmesan Garlic Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home with simple ingredients. Juicy, perfectly seared steaks are finished in a luxurious, creamy garlic sauce loaded with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for a special dinner, date night, or when you want an impressive yet easy meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or NY strip), about 1-inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
For the Parmesan Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, extra flavor)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1 Prepare the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them dry with paper towels—this is key for a perfect sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
2 Sear the Steaks
Heat a large heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering.
Place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, without moving them, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Reduce heat slightly, add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes to baste them and boost flavor.
Transfer steaks to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let them rest.
3 Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet (do not clean it), lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream and scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
5 Combine & Finish
Return the rested steaks (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the steaks and simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic roasted vegetables
- Buttered green beans or asparagus
- Pasta or rice to soak up the sauce