One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta (Easy & Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner)
Samantha
This one-pot creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta brings together juicy seared steak, a bold garlic-chili cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in a single pot. With just the right balance of heat, richness, and savory depth, this dish is perfect for high-protein meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests without the fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, One-Pot Meal
Cuisine American Comfort, Fusion
Servings 4 hearty bowls
Calories 620 kcal
- 1 lb sirloin steak sliced into bite-sized strips
- 8 oz penne or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
- Fresh parsley or basil optional garnish
Step 1: Sear the SteakHeat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet. Season steak with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside. Step 2: Sauté the GarlicIn the same pot, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Step 3: Build the Sauce & SimmerAdd red pepper flakes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 4: Stir in the CheeseOnce pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, add the parmesan and return steak to the pot. Stir well to combine. Step 5: Serve & GarnishTop with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Secret Tips for the Creamiest, Boldest Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
1. Use Room Temperature Steak for Even Searing: Let your steak sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking. A room temperature cut cooks more evenly and helps achieve that golden-brown sear without overcooking the inside.
2. Sear the Steak First, Then Rest: Cook your steak in the same pot you'll make the pasta in. Sear it until caramelized, remove, and let it rest. This not only locks in the juices but also infuses the pan with flavor for the pasta base.
3. Deglaze with Broth or White Wine: After removing the steak, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to lift up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This forms a richer foundation for your creamy garlic butter sauce.
4. Add the Garlic After the Butter Melts: Don’t rush the garlic. Add it to melted butter (not hot oil) so it blooms gently and doesn’t burn, keeping its flavor sweet and aromatic instead of bitter.
5. Balance Heat and Cream: If you're using crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste for that spicy kick, balance it with heavy cream or a splash of milk to create a velvety sauce that doesn’t overpower the dish.
6. Stir in Parmesan at the End: For the smoothest texture, remove the pot from heat before adding the shredded Parmesan. This prevents clumping and creates that irresistible creamy finish.
7. Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil cuts through the richness and adds freshness to each bite—don’t skip this final step!
8. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of this starchy liquid will loosen it while keeping the sauce luscious and creamy.
9. Slice Steak Against the Grain: For the most tender bites, slice your rested steak thinly against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and makes each mouthful melt-in-your-mouth good.
10. Meal Prep Bonus Tip: Make a double batch and store the pasta and steak separately. Reheat the pasta with a splash of milk and add the sliced steak just before serving to keep it juicy.
Let these pro tips elevate your next one-pot creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta night into a full-on flavor experience!Keyword easy steak and pasta one-pot meal, garlic butter steak dinner, high-protein creamy steak pasta, one-pan spicy pasta recipe, one-pot steak pasta recipe, spicy creamy pasta skillet, weeknight garlic butter pasta
