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Spicy Garlic Beef Pasta: A Bold and Hearty Weeknight Delight

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Dare to indulge? 🍤🥩 Dive into this Creamy Chilli Garlic Surf-and-Turf Pasta—where juicy shrimp meets tender beef in a rich, spicy garlic cream sauce! 🌶️🧄 Twirl your fork into a restaurant-style dish made easy for home cooks. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a bold, flavorful dinner! 🍽️💥

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

  • 300 g linguine or spaghetti

  • Water for boiling

  • Salt for seasoning pasta water

Main Sauce and Beef

  • 400 g beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced across the grain)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

  • ½ tbsp dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 500 g fresh tomatoes (diced or cherry tomatoes halved)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Optional: a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Preparation Tips

  • Beef Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice beef thinly across the grain—this keeps it tender.

  • Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes offer a sweet-tart flavor, but canned tomatoes can be used for convenience.

  • Timing: Chop and measure all ingredients before you start; this is a fast-moving recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually about 9–11 minutes).

  3. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.

  4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

 

Step 2: Sear the Beef

 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the sliced beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes until browned. Avoid overcooking.

  5. Remove the beef and set aside.

 

Step 3: Build the Garlic-Chilli Base

 

  1. Lower the heat to medium.

  2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan.

  3. Sauté the chopped garlic for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

  4. Add the chilli flakes and stir for another 10–15 seconds, allowing the aroma to bloom.

 

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

 

  1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.

  2. Add the fresh tomatoes and sugar.

  3. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens.

  4. Season with salt and pepper.

 

Step 5: Combine Everything

 

  1. Return the seared beef to the pan.

  2. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce.

  3. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

  4. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes.

 

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

 

  1. Plate the pasta immediately while hot.

  2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.

  3. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook the Beef: Thin slices cook fast—1–2 minutes per side is enough.
  • Mind the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so sauté gently over medium heat.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: This water contains starch, helping the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Adjust Heat: Use less chilli for a milder dish, or more if you prefer a spicy kick.
  • Substitute Freely: Swap linguine for penne or fusilli if needed. Any pasta shape will work.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
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