If you are looking for a meal that combines rich, bold flavors with the ease of a single pan, the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, juicy steak pieces bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a kick of spice, mingling perfectly with creamy parmesan-coated rotini pasta. It’s a perfect harmony of comfort and flavor, whipped up in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role: the steak brings hearty protein and texture, garlic and red pepper flakes add aromatic spice, while the creamy elements create that irresistible sauce you’ll want to dive into. Gathering these basics means you’re just minutes away from a truly satisfying meal.
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose a cut that’s tender and flavorful, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness and helps develop a golden crust on the steak and garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic, giving the dish its bold, tasty depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: This adds a spicy kick—adjust to suit your heat preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami richness and a slightly nutty flavor.
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta): Holds sauce well while cooking evenly in the skillet.
- 2.5–3 cups water or broth: The cooking liquid that helps tenderize the pasta and infuse flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green to finish the dish elegantly.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once melted and sizzling, add your seasoned steak pieces. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until you see a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is crucial because it locks in those juicy flavors and gives the steak a mouthwatering texture. When done, set the steak aside but keep those flavorful drippings in the pan—they’re pure gold for the sauce!
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Spice
With the skillet still hot, toss in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes so the garlic softens and releases its aroma without burning. This sizzling fragrant base is what makes this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the butter, garlic, and pepper flakes mixture. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the cream to thicken slightly and absorb all those bold flavors. Then, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into the creamy base, turning it into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, then pour in 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth—enough to just cover the pasta. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, it soaks up the creamy sauce and flavors, creating a perfectly tender bite infused with spice and garlic butter goodness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
When your pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture and the sauce has thickened just right, return the seared steak pieces and all those delicious juices back into the skillet. Give everything a quick stir so that each piece of steak is enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce alongside the pasta. Give the dish a taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese if you like. Serve your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe piping hot, and prepare for happy sighs all around the table.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a natural choice to brighten up the rich colors and flavors of this dish. A little extra parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, nutty finish. If you want to enhance the spice, a few more crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled right before serving works wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with easy sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables, which bring fresh, clean flavors to the table. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic companion for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and top with a fresh sprig of rosemary. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top to lift the flavors and make it pop visually. Another idea is to layer it in a casserole dish with extra parmesan melted on top, then broil until golden and bubbly for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Because the pasta and steak soak up the sauce, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal due to the cream sauce, which can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, pack the meal tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality. Thaw it gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftovers is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms, stirring frequently to keep it creamy and smooth. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended because it holds the sauce nicely, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy is this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle kick that complements the richness. You can easily dial up or down the heat level by adjusting the amount of pepper flakes or omitting them.
Is sirloin or ribeye better for this dish?
Both work wonderfully. Ribeye is fattier and more tender, giving extra richness, while sirloin is leaner and a bit more affordable. Choose based on your preference and budget.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and swap heavy cream and parmesan for coconut cream and nutritional yeast respectively. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
How can I make this recipe for more people?
Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally, but be sure to use a larger skillet or pot to keep everything cooking evenly. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly for the pasta to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create something truly special. It’s comforting, quick, and bursting with flavor, perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Give it a try—once you do, it might just become your new go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta recipe combines tender seared steak pieces with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The blend of spicy red pepper flakes and rich parmesan cheese creates a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2.5–3 cups water or broth
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized steak pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and flavorful. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic and spices. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the cream sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet along with 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the seared steak pieces and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the steak and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or parmesan if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Hot: Serve the creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta immediately while hot. Enjoy this indulgent yet easy-to-make meal!
Notes
- You can substitute broth for water to add extra flavor to the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Use any short pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
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