If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, the Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds. This recipe combines the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the bold, tangy flavor of Gorgonzola cheese, creating a truly indulgent dish. The juicy, tender slices of sirloin steak elevate the entire experience, making this a comforting yet sophisticated meal. With just a few ingredients, including pasta, steak, and a creamy blend of cheeses, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite or the centerpiece of your next dinner party. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, this pasta dish delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare, yet feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this creamy, cheesy, and savory dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Creamy Alfredo Sauce
The blend of Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheeses creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta, adding layers of flavor.
2. Tender Steak
The sirloin steak is cooked to perfection, tender, and juicy, providing a savory contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Balanced Flavors
The combination of the sharp tang of Gorgonzola and the mild richness of Parmesan, along with the earthy spinach, balances the dish perfectly.
4. Quick and Easy
With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can make a luxurious meal that’s both delicious and quick.
5. Perfect for Special Occasions
This dish has a restaurant-quality feel, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or any special gathering.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine pasta
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Gorgonzola cheese
- Butter
- Sirloin steak
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Baby spinach
Variations
- Swap the Steak: You can replace the sirloin steak with chicken breast, shrimp, or even a vegetarian protein like tempeh or tofu for a different take.
- Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try adding kale or arugula for a similar earthy flavor.
- More Cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, increase the amount of Gorgonzola or add other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Once warm, stir in the Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheese, whisking until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Season the sirloin steak slices with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the steak slices to your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the wilted spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss to coat all the noodles evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the pasta and top with the sliced steak. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this delicious dish.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Steak Separately: To prevent overcooking, cook the steak in a separate pan before adding it to the pasta. This ensures the steak remains tender and juicy.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of pasta water or additional cream.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: The spinach should be just wilted—overcooking it will make it lose its vibrant green color.
- Season Well: Be sure to season the steak with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
How to Serve
- With Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Pair with a Light Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great side dish to balance the richness of the pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools, but it can be reheated with a little extra cream or milk to restore its consistency.
Freezing
This dish is best served fresh, as the creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well and may separate upon reheating. However, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for later use. Be sure to store them in airtight containers.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture. You can also microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, you can use blue cheese or even goat cheese as an alternative to Gorgonzola for a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While fettuccine is traditional, you can use other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if you prefer.
3. Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works wonderfully in this dish, and you can prepare it the same way as the steak.
4. Can I make this recipe without spinach?
Yes, you can omit the spinach or substitute it with another green like kale, arugula, or even broccoli.
5. How do I know when the steak is done?
For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side. For medium, cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
6. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind the texture may not be as thick.
7. Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Using pre-cooked steak may work, but fresh steak will give the best texture and flavor. If you use pre-cooked steak, simply reheat it in the pan with the spinach.
8. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat or drizzle some hot sauce on top.
9. Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms would make a great addition to this dish. Add them along with the spinach for a deeper flavor.
10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the steak and replace it with a vegetarian protein like tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
The Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a flavorful and indulgent dish that brings the restaurant experience right into your home. With a creamy Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked steak, and a bed of fettuccine pasta, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
PrintOlive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by Olive Garden’s famous recipe. Tender sirloin steak is paired with fettuccine pasta in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheeses. Perfect for a delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Add Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season sliced steak with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook steak to desired doneness. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan with the spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
- Serve the pasta topped with sliced steak.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the sirloin steak with another cut of steak, such as ribeye, for a richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes