If you love dishes that combine rich, comforting flavors with a touch of heat and the ease of minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy steak pieces mingling with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with just the right kick from red pepper flakes. It’s decadent, satisfying, and simple enough to get on the table in about 30 minutes. This dish makes the perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, promising a flavorful experience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward by using a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that each serve a specific delicious purpose. From the creamy richness of heavy cream and Parmesan to the bold flavor of garlic and spicy warmth from red pepper flakes, every element plays a critical role in balancing taste, texture, and color beautifully.
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 2 cups rotini pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that traps creamy sauce in every twist.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build that irresistible garlic butter base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that coats pasta beautifully.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor while thickening the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers just the right spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds savory umami and helps cook the pasta within the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each serving.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak pieces generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor, then sear them until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and carry all the steak’s drippings for extra flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant but not browned, releasing that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and whets your appetite.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Spicy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream, beef broth, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for that subtle spicy warmth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and thicken the sauce, giving it that rich, velvety texture. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens just a bit—it’s the perfect canvas for your pasta and steak.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
This is the magic moment where the rotini pasta soaks up all that spicy garlic butter goodness. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender yet still al dente. This one-pot cooking means every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Sauce for the Final Touch
Return the seared steak along with any juices back to the skillet. Stir it into the pasta and sauce mixture, allowing the meat to finish cooking and marry perfectly with the creamy, spicy flavors. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld those tastes wonderfully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness. Serve this dish hot straight from the pan, making sure everyone gets a hearty portion loaded with steak, pasta, and sauce in every bite.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley is the classic go-to for garnishing this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe, you can also elevate it with freshly cracked black pepper, extra grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for a silky finish. These simple touches add aroma, flavor contrast, and visual appeal that make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Since this meal is rich and filling on its own, lighter side dishes work best. Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. These sides complement and balance the daringly creamy and spicy main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this recipe family-style in a large skillet or cast-iron pan right at the table, letting everyone help themselves. You can also plate it individually with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a small wedge of lemon on the side to enhance brightness. Bright colored garnishes like sun-dried tomatoes or thinly sliced red chilies add visual excitement and hint at the dish’s spicy personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers from this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the same comforting flavors later without losing the creamy texture—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the sauce’s creamy nature means the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze, place the cooled pasta and steak in a freezer-safe container and use it within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming back up gently on the stove.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or cream added to loosen the sauce and restore its silky consistency. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through, taking care not to scorch the creamy sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may require stirring midway for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best, you can use flank or skirt steak if sliced thinly before cooking. Just be sure not to overcook to keep the steak juicy and tender in the dish.
How spicy is the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the red pepper flakes and is quite moderate by default. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or fewer flakes according to your taste preference.
Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option?
For a lighter version, you could try half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind this might affect the richness and thickness of the sauce. A mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if using lighter dairy.
Is it okay to use a different pasta shape?
Yes, feel free to swap out rotini for other sturdy pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, which hold onto the sauce nicely. Just remember to adjust cooking times as pasta shapes cook differently.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version by replacing steak with mushrooms or plant-based protein and swapping beef broth for vegetable broth. The creamy garlic butter sauce still shines in a meatless variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining so many bold, comforting flavors in one pot without the fuss of complicated steps or extra dishes to wash. The One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe delivers that on every level: juicy steak, perfect pasta, and a magically creamy, spicy sauce all harmonized together. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving a hearty meal that’s quick, delicious, and irresistible. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender seared steak pieces with a rich, creamy, and spicy garlic butter sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, it features perfectly cooked rotini pasta simmered in a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and beef broth, infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes for a delightful kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting and hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for searing (approximately 1 tablespoon)
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups beef broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized steak pieces with salt and black pepper, then sear them in the hot skillet until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to retain the juices.
- Cook Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it may turn bitter.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, beef broth, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is melted, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked rotini pasta directly into the sauce. Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture and has absorbed some of the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the seared steak pieces along with their juices back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish based on your preference.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
- If preferred, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can be used instead of rotini.
- Resting the steak pieces after searing helps retain their juiciness in the final dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
