Name: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 8 oz rotini (or any short pasta); 2.5–3 cups water or broth; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There are few things more satisfying than a comforting bowl of pasta—unless, of course, you toss in juicy, golden-seared steak and a velvety garlic butter cream sauce. Meet your new go-to: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. This steak pasta recipe is the perfect balance of cozy, indulgent, and oh-so-doable on a weeknight. Yes, you read that right—it’s a one-pot dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Cue the applause!

If your evenings look anything like mine—juggling work, family, and the occasional desperate attempt to fold laundry—you need a recipe that feels special without requiring three pans and a small miracle. That’s why I adore this dish. It’s creamy, it’s garlicky, it’s got just the right kick of heat, and it’s hearty enough to keep even the hungriest crowd satisfied. Plus, fewer dishes to wash? That’s the real cherry on top.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Everything cooks in one pan—hello, easy cleanup.
Juicy bites of steak meet perfectly cooked pasta in a dreamy garlic butter sauce.
Ready in 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight meal.
Customizable spice level—mild for the kids, fiery for the spice-lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz rotini (or any short pasta)
2.5–3 cups water or broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak, season with salt and black pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring well. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in parmesan cheese until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add pasta and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, return steak (and juices) to the skillet. Toss everything together.
Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Tips for Success

Use a well-marbled cut of steak like ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor and tenderness.
Don’t skimp on the garlic—but do keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
For extra heat, sprinkle in more crushed red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
Want a veggie boost? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the simmer stage.

My Story with This Recipe

This recipe was born on one of those nights when I opened the fridge, stared at a pack of steak, and thought, “I don’t have the energy for steak AND sides.” Enter my trusty pasta pantry stash. One experiment later, I had a creamy garlic pasta infused with buttery steak juices and a spicy little kick—and my family was hooked. Now, this one-pot dinner has become a weeknight lifesaver. My husband swears it tastes like something from a restaurant, and my kids call it “fancy mac and cheese with steak.” Honestly? I’ll take it.

What to Serve with One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies make excellent companions. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser (and perfect for soaking up that sauce). For drinks, try a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or keep it family-friendly with sparkling water and lemon. If you’re serving this for a dinner party, add a simple dessert—something light, like fruit sorbet or chocolate-dipped strawberries—to balance out the richness.

How to Store Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth before warming in a skillet over medium heat—this helps revive the sauce. The microwave works too, though the pasta may absorb more liquid. Freezing isn’t ideal since the cream sauce can separate, but honestly, this dish is so good you probably won’t have leftovers anyway.

FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even shells work great. Just adjust the liquid if needed.

Can I make this less spicy?

Definitely. Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, though the sauce will be slightly lighter. For extra richness, stir in a little cream cheese.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Of course! Swap in chicken breast or thighs and follow the same steps.

One bite of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta and you’ll understand why it’s become a weeknight favorite in my house. Creamy garlic pasta, juicy steak, and just enough heat to keep things interesting—this dish truly has it all. Plus, the one-pot magic means less time scrubbing pans and more time actually enjoying dinner with your loved ones. And isn’t that the point?

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