One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is an all-in-one meal that’s packed with flavor. The steak is perfectly seared and tender, the pasta is coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, and the crushed red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that elevates the dish. Plus, the whole thing comes together in one pot, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s full of comfort and rich flavors. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory – all in a single dish!

Ingredients

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 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
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sear the Steak:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the steak pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the steak on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
   • In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the pasta to the pot and stir it to coat in the garlic butter mixture. Pour in 2.5 cups of water or broth, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Add the Steak:
   • Return the cooked steak to the pot and stir everything together. Let the steak heat through and coat with the creamy sauce for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Once everything is well combined, garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, spicy garlic butter steak and pasta!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the pasta.
• Make it Spicier: If you love spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Different Pasta: Feel free to swap out the rotini for any other short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta and steak in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use any cut of steak that you prefer. Ribeye and sirloin work well, but flank steak, strip steak, or even skirt steak can be used for a different texture or flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of gluten-free pasta you use.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You can also try using coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

How do I make sure the steak is tender?

To ensure your steak is tender, don’t overcook it when searing. The steak will finish cooking with the pasta, so make sure it’s still a little rare when you remove it from the pan. This will keep it juicy and tender.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak and pasta separately and then combine them with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan or any other cheese you enjoy, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, you can substitute the steak with chicken breast or thighs. Just cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through before adding it to the pasta.

Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use any broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) for extra flavor. If you’re using broth, keep in mind it might affect the seasoning, so be sure to taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

How do I keep the sauce creamy?

To keep the sauce creamy, don’t let the heavy cream come to a rapid boil. Stir the pasta frequently while simmering and adjust the liquid amount to achieve the desired consistency.

How spicy is this dish?

This dish has a moderate level of spice thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is a deliciously indulgent meal that combines tender steak, creamy sauce, and pasta in one easy dish. The subtle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes adds a wonderful kick without overpowering the richness of the garlic butter and cream. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious.

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