One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines the richness of steak with the comforting creaminess of pasta, you have to try this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe. It’s a true labor of love that comes together effortlessly in a single pot, delivering tender steak strips coated in a luscious, spicy garlic butter sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. The balance of heat and creaminess makes this dish both exciting and soothing, a perfect go-to meal for weeknights or impressing friends over dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the depth of flavor here; it’s all made simple with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play a key role in creating this unforgettable dish.

• 1 lb (450g) steak strips: Provides the succulent, meaty base that makes this recipe hearty and satisfying.
• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice: Acts as the comforting, tender vehicle for soaking up the creamy, spicy sauce.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build that velvety sauce texture you’ll love.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers pungent, aromatic flavor that infuses the whole dish with garlicky goodness.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives the perfect kick of heat to balance the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, smooth sauce that envelops the steak and pasta.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and savory notes while preventing the sauce from being too thick.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances umami and melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly cheesy.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the steak, locking in juices and flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and a fresh finish to the rich dish.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steak

The first step sets the delicious foundation by seasoning your steak strips well with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here — seasoning is what wakes up the meat’s natural flavors and preps it to shine in the final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or high-walled skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak strips and cook them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This searing process locks in the juices, giving you tender, flavorful bites. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside while you move to the next steps.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them gently until the garlic turns fragrant and lightly golden — this fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and infuses the sauce with its signature spicy, buttery punch.

Step 4: Deglaze with Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom — these bits are little flavor bombs that enrich the overall taste of your sauce.

Step 5: Simmer the Pasta

Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta next, pushing it down so it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente. This usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes depending on the pasta shape — the creamy sauce thickens beautifully as the pasta cooks.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese for Creaminess

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts, it gives your sauce a rich, silky texture with a savory depth that makes every bite utterly satisfying.

Step 7: Mix in the Seared Steak

Return the cooked steak strips to the pot and stir until they’re completely coated in that luscious creamy sauce. This step melds all the flavors together, ensuring your steak stays juicy while soaking up all those wonderful garlicky, spicy buttery notes.

Step 8: Final Seasoning Touches

Give your dish a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or even add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat. This is your chance to customize it perfectly to your liking before plating.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness of the meal. Serve it immediately while warm and enjoy every sublime forkful.

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish of bright, chopped parsley adds that perfect fresh finish to this indulgent dish. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or drizzle a touch of olive oil to amplify the richness and presentation.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta and steak dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can lighten things up with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complements it wonderfully, perfect for mopping up the decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special meal, serve the pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the steak strips nestled in the sauce. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Alternatively, create individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for a rustic, charming presentation that feels extra thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the sauce’s creaminess and the flavors of the steak and spices.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to omit the heavy cream and Parmesan if you plan to freeze. Instead, freeze the cooked steak and pasta separately and add fresh cream and cheese when reheating for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking and to revive that creamy, spicy garlic butter goodness.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken strips or even pork tenderloin can work nicely in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You’ll still get plenty of garlic butter flavor without the spicy kick.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are excellent as they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use whatever pasta you love or have on hand!

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Heavy cream is key for that rich, velvety texture, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch. Just be aware the sauce will be less thick and creamy.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly al dente?

Start tasting the pasta around the 10-minute mark. It should be tender but still have a slight bite at the center. The sauce will thicken as it finishes cooking off the heat, so don’t overcook it.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is truly a winner when you’re craving something both rich and quick to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser with that perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and robust steak flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become your favorite comfort food indulgence to whip up anytime you want to impress or just treat yourself!

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