I still remember the first time I made my now-family-favorite Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce. It was one of those evenings where I wanted something comforting but a little fancy—not too complicated, but special enough to feel like a treat after a long week. The aroma of sizzling garlic butter steak filling my kitchen was nothing short of heavenly. That rich, creamy garlic sauce just pulling everything together had me hooked immediately. I’ve learned over the years that a steak is only as good as what you serve with it, and this garlic cream sauce made even a modest cut taste like a gourmet meal.
This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce has become a staple in my home, especially during busy weeknights or when friends stop by unexpectedly. I remember once, juggling my kids’ homework and answering work emails, I managed to whip up this pan-seared steak with cream sauce in under 30 minutes! That moment was an aha—realizing you can feed your family something delicious and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s these little victories in cooking that make me love sharing recipes like this one on Delilita.
I’m all about approachable, joyful meals that bring everyone to the table with a smile, and this garlic cream steak recipe embodies just that. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or planning a weekend feast, I promise the Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce will make your dinner shine. And if you’re feeling curious about creamy garlic sauce for steak variations or hunting for ways to make garlic butter steak just right, stick with me—I’ve got plenty of tips ahead. You might want to check out how this reminds me a bit of a recipe I shared earlier for mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce, which also highlights that creamy, garlicky goodness your palate will adore.
What I love most is how this steak with white sauce is versatile enough to pair with all sorts of sides and suitable for both a quiet family night or a festive gathering. So, grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this garlic cream steak recipe that’s full of flavor and heart—because that’s the kind of cooking I believe in, and I can’t wait for you to try it alongside me.
What You’ll Need for This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
Here’s the honest truth: every time I make Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce, I want the ingredients to be straightforward but full of flavor. So I always keep these staples on hand:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each), room temperature – I find ribeye gives that perfect marbling for juicy garlic butter steak, but sirloin works wonderfully too.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – I never skimp here. Real butter is key for that rich garlic cream sauce for steak.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic brings the punch. Sometimes I cheat and grab pre-minced from the fridge section when I’m tight on time.
- ½ cup heavy cream – This is the heart of your pan-seared steak with cream sauce; it makes the sauce silky and luscious.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Adds a subtle earthiness that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing your steak to perfection.

A pro tip here: When making Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce, I love shopping at my local farmer’s market for fresher garlic and thyme—that fresh flavor makes all the difference. But when time is tight (which is basically every day with kids), those grocery store shortcuts save the day. For a cost-saving tip, buy steaks on sale, or get a thicker cut and slice it for two meals. Leftover ingredients like cream and butter keep well in the fridge for a week or more, so you’re not wasting a thing.
If you want to see another creamy delight to pair with your steak night, check out my creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes—another cozy dish that uses a garlic cream sauce base but with a seafood twist to keep things interesting.
Let’s Make This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce Together
Let’s put on our aprons and get cooking—don’t worry if your Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce hasn’t turned out restaurant perfect before; I’ve been there, and the journey is all part of the fun!
- Prepare Your Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels—this helps get that beautiful crust during searing. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. I learned the hard way that seasoning early lets the flavors really soak in.
- Heat Your Pan: Heat the olive oil in a sturdy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. If you want tips on using a cast iron skillet effectively for steak, I found this great guide on cast iron bavette steak with whiskey garlic cream sauce really helpful.
- Sear the Steak: Place steaks in the pan without crowding—don’t move them around. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Your steak with garlic cream sauce should smell like smoky, buttery garlic heaven. Remember, the last thing you want is to overcook.
- Finish the Butter and Garlic: About halfway through, add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Tip your pan slightly and use a spoon to baste that garlic butter steak lovingly—it infuses layers of flavor.
- Remove and Rest: Transfer the steaks to a plate and loosely tent with foil. Resting is key so the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the pan drippings, then stir in heavy cream and thyme. Stir gently, scraping up those browned bits from the pan—this is flavor gold! Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve Hot: Pour the creamy garlic sauce for steak over your steaks, or serve it on the side to drizzle as you like.
While your Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce is finishing up, I often tidy the kitchen or prep a quick side like roasted veggies. This is where having a few family-tested time savers comes in handy without sacrificing flavor.
Also, if you want ideas troubleshooting your pan-seared steak with cream sauce, this garlic cream sauce inspiration has some lovely breakdowns of sauce basics.
How I Love to Serve This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
Let me tell you, my family goes gaga for this Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce especially when paired with my creamy mashed potatoes and garlicky green beans. The creaminess of the steak with white sauce pairs beautifully with the crisp freshness of seasonal vegetables—something I always look forward to during spring and summer.
This dish quickly becomes the centerpiece when I invite friends over for casual dinner parties. There’s something about that rich garlic cream steak recipe that makes everyone lean in for seconds. Plus, its elegant yet approachable vibe works perfectly for birthdays or special occasions without the fuss.

If you have leftover Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce—and trust me, it happens—slice it thin and toss over a mixed greens salad or even inside a toasted sandwich. A friend once told me she reheats the steak with cream sauce gently in a pan and serves it over pasta for a quick new meal. Love that versatile approach!
For a seasonal twist, I’ve experimented adding a splash of white wine to the creamy garlic sauce or swapping thyme for rosemary in chillier months. Both versions have fans at my table.
Sharing side dish ideas? You can’t go wrong with something like my mozzarella chicken in basil cream sauce for another creamy, comforting protein dish to round out your menu, or creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes for a surf-and-turf kind of feel.
Your Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce Questions Answered
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak for this garlic cream steak recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend ribeye or sirloin, flank or skirt steak works too if you slice it thin after cooking. Just adjust your cooking time to avoid toughness. Friends often ask about skirt steak, and it’s a great budget-friendly choice.
Q: How do I avoid the sauce splitting or curdling?
Great question! When making your creamy garlic sauce for steak, keep the heat moderate and don’t rush the cream adding process. Slow simmering and gentle stirring are your best bets. I made the mistake once of boiling the sauce—lesson learned!
Q: What sides go best with Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Personally, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or green beans sautéed in garlic butter make our favorite combos. Sometimes I mix it up with a light seasonal salad to balance the richness.
Q: Can I prepare Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce ahead of time?
You can cook the steaks and sauce separately ahead, then reheat gently before serving. It’s perfect when hosting guests and wanting to focus on sides and company.
Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
I’ve tried half-and-half or coconut cream with success but note the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Heavy cream gives that classic silky finish every time.
Q: Any shortcuts if I’m pressed for time?
Definitely! Use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste, and look for steaks that are already trimmed. Using a cast iron skillet gets you that perfect sear faster, too. This Facebook group post has great community tips for a quick steak with garlic cream sauce recipe.
Q: What wine pairs well with this steak with white sauce?
I love a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec—the kind that stands up to the rich, creamy garlic butter steak flavors without overpowering.
My Final Thoughts on This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
This Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe has earned a cherished spot at my family table because it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a dish that proves comfort food can be elegant and doable even on busy nights. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few pro tips that I’m excited to share with you:
My Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce Pro Tips:
1. Always rest your steak after searing for juicy results.
2. Don’t rush the sauce—low and slow brings out all that creamy garlic goodness.
3. Use fresh garlic and herbs whenever possible; the flavor difference is remarkable.
We’ve tried variations—sometimes swapping thyme for rosemary or adding a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity. My husband’s favorite is the classic garlic butter steak, while my kids adore it when I sneak in a little Parmesan cheese into the creamy garlic sauce for steak. And if you love this steak with white sauce, don’t miss my creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes for a change of pace.
I hope you find this Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce as comforting and delightful as my family does. Remember, cooking is as much about heart as it is skill—you’re creating memories one fragrant bite at a time. Make it your own, tweak the flavors, relish the journey, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious moment.
If you want to continue the creamy sauce adventure, check out my custard pie with praline sauce for dessert to round out a perfect meal.
Happy cooking, dear friend! I can’t wait to hear how your Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce turns out. Here’s to simple joys and full bellies at your table.
Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
A succulent steak served with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, perfect for a indulgent dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 8 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the ribeye steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness. Remove steaks and let rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add Parmesan cheese and thyme leaves (if using), stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return steaks to the skillet and spoon the garlic cream sauce over them to coat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce.

