This Creamy Steak Pasta is a rich, indulgent dinner that brings together tender steak slices, rigatoni pasta, and a bold, creamy mushroom-whisky sauce. Finished with heaps of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s ideal for date nights, entertaining, or a quick family meal in under 30 minutes. The whisky gives the sauce a complex depth, perfectly balanced with cream and mustard.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 450g (1 lb) rump steak (or sirloin/fillet)

• 400g (14 oz) dry rigatoni pasta (or penne)

• 300ml (1¼ cup) double/heavy cream

• ½ tsp salt

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp oil (for frying)

• 1 tbsp butter (15g / ½ oz)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 180g / 6 oz)

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed (or 2 tsp garlic paste)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (any variety)

• 4 tbsp whisky (or bourbon)

• 150ml (⅔ cup) Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2–3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare Steak: Massage steak with oil, season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pan 4–5 mins per side, depending on doneness preference. Rest under foil.

2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. Make Sauce Base: Mix cream, ½ tsp salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Set aside.

4. Sauté Veggies: In a large pan, heat oil and butter. Sauté onion for 4 mins, add garlic and sugar, cook 2 more mins. Add mushrooms, cook until golden (~4 mins).

5. Add Whisky: Pour in whisky, let it mostly evaporate (~2 mins).

6. Combine Sauce: Add cream mixture to the pan, heat through (~2 mins). Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and parsley.

7. Assemble Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix in reserved pasta water for desired consistency.

8. Slice & Add Steak: Slice rested steak. Fold into pasta or reserve some for garnish. Reheat gently on stove.

9. Serve: Top with extra parsley, Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 1053 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 84g

• Protein: 46g

• Fat: 55g

• Saturated Fat: 29g

• Cholesterol: 172mg

• Sodium: 677mg

A Gourmet Experience at Home

There’s something deeply satisfying about replicating a high-end restaurant dish in your own kitchen. This creamy steak pasta recipe gives you exactly that opportunity. The use of quality ingredients—tender rump steak, a splash of whisky, freshly grated Parmesan, and rich cream—means every bite is loaded with depth and complexity. Yet, the entire dish can be brought together in less than half an hour, making it a favorite for busy weeknights as well.

Despite its fancy appearance and flavor, the cooking process is straightforward. The pasta provides a familiar base, while the sauce does the heavy lifting in terms of flavor. What makes this dish stand out from other cream-based pasta recipes is the inclusion of whisky. Unlike wine or brandy, whisky brings a warm, smoky richness that deepens the flavor of the mushrooms and complements the steak beautifully. It’s a game-changer that elevates the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.

The Power of Ingredients

The success of this dish lies in the careful selection and layering of flavors. First, the steak: rump, sirloin, or fillet will all work, depending on your budget and preference. Properly seasoned and seared to your liking, it becomes the star protein of the dish. Resting the steak before slicing ensures the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.

Then there’s the pasta. Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and tube shape capture the creamy sauce perfectly, offering a satisfying bite every time. However, penne or any short pasta with texture will also work well.

The sauce combines rich cream, tangy Dijon mustard, and just a splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness. The mushrooms—earthy and caramelized—meld seamlessly with the whisky, whose alcohol is cooked off to leave behind only flavor. Finally, fresh parsley and Parmesan add freshness and umami to tie everything together.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Benefits

While this isn’t a “light” recipe by traditional standards, it does contain several components that provide balance. The dish is protein-rich, offering approximately 46 grams of protein per serving—great for muscle maintenance and satiety. Mushrooms and onions add fiber and nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. Fresh parsley, while used as a garnish, adds antioxidants and a hint of freshness that brightens the entire dish.

Despite its indulgent nature, the recipe can be adjusted for lighter preferences. For example, you can use half-and-half instead of full cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more mushrooms and onions for a vegetable-forward variation.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

Creamy Steak Pasta is incredibly versatile and fits beautifully into many dining scenarios. It’s elegant enough for an anniversary dinner or dinner party, yet comforting and quick enough for a weeknight meal. If you’re hosting guests, this dish makes an impressive centerpiece—especially when paired with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a smoky whisky cocktail to echo the sauce flavors.

It also makes a fantastic winter meal, given the richness and warmth of the sauce, though its adaptability means it can be enjoyed year-round. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread to round out the meal.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best outcome, here are a few expert tips. First, don’t skip the resting time for the steak. This short step locks in the juices and makes slicing easier. Second, use freshly grated Parmesan—not pre-shredded—to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. Third, reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and allows you to adjust the thickness easily.

If you’re new to cooking with alcohol, don’t worry—the whisky’s alcohol cooks off during the sauté process, leaving behind a subtle, deep flavor. Be sure to let it reduce for at least two minutes to ensure proper evaporation and flavor concentration.

Why This Recipe Is a Standout

What sets this creamy steak pasta apart is its careful combination of indulgent and earthy elements. The whisky adds a grown-up twist that’s not often found in everyday pasta dishes. The sauce has a complexity that comes from the mustard, balsamic vinegar, and cream all playing their part without overwhelming the others. And of course, the seared steak—rich, juicy, and perfectly seasoned—brings it all together with substance and flair.

This dish invites you to slow down and savor your meal. It’s not just about feeding your hunger—it’s about creating a dining experience that feels intentional and luxurious. Plus, it scales beautifully, whether you’re making it for two or a small dinner gathering.

Simple Variations You Can Try

While the original recipe is already wonderfully balanced, it’s also flexible enough for some creative spins. For instance, if you’re not a fan of whisky, you can substitute it with brandy or omit it entirely and increase the balsamic vinegar slightly for acidity. If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of sweetness and color.

You could also try it with a different protein—grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp work well. Vegetarians can swap the steak for pan-seared tofu or tempeh and still enjoy the creamy mushroom base. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta and ensure your mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Steak Pasta with Mushroom and Whisky Sauce is a celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s rich without being too heavy, elegant yet easy to make, and perfect for so many occasions. The whisky-mushroom sauce is a revelation—deep, smoky, and luxurious—complemented beautifully by the juicy steak and toothsome pasta. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat yourself, or whip up a quick family dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Its flexibility means it can suit different tastes and dietary needs with a few easy tweaks. More than just a meal, it’s a culinary experience that combines comfort and sophistication in one beautifully composed dish.