If you love bold flavors, juicy steak, and creamy pasta, then this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta will become your new go-to weeknight dinner. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make—plus it only uses one pot, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment.
This dish is everything you want in comfort food: tender steak bites seared in garlic butter, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy and slightly spicy sauce, and a touch of parmesan to tie it all together. The combination of garlic, chili flakes, and buttery richness makes it irresistible. It’s like a steakhouse-style pasta made right in your kitchen—in under 35 minutes!
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this one-pot recipe delivers high-end flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Made in one pot
✅ Ready in 30–35 minutes
✅ Perfect balance of creaminess and spice
✅ Affordable but luxurious
✅ Great for date nights, family dinners, or leftovers
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan (with lid)
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (for fresh parmesan)
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 2½ cups penne or rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for a fresh touch)
- Extra chili flakes or black pepper, to garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- Add the steak pieces in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Add minced garlic and chili flakes, then stir to coat. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside. Keep the garlic butter in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In the same pan, add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, paprika, and onion powder.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Bring It Together
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in grated parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tbsp of butter.
- Return the cooked steak and garlic to the pan. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If using spinach, fold it in until wilted. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
Step 4: Serve
Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan, chili flakes, and fresh parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy with garlic bread or a green salad.
Tips for Success
- Use a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip for juicy steak bites.
- Don’t overcook the steak in the beginning—it will finish cooking when added back at the end.
- Stir the pasta often as it simmers to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Add more cream or broth at the end if you want a looser sauce.
Recipe Variations
🧄 Lemon-Garlic Steak Pasta
Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness and zing.
🌶️ Super Spicy Version
Stir in a spoonful of hot sauce or diced jalapeños with the garlic butter.
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add shredded mozzarella or fontina along with the parmesan for more richness.
🥦 Veggie Boost
Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
🍝 Low-Carb/Keto Option
Replace pasta with cooked zucchini noodles or spiralized turnips. Reduce broth quantity.
Make It Fit Your Diet
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and cheese are GF-certified.
Dairy-Free
Use a dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based cream like oat or soy. Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
High-Protein
Double the amount of steak or add sliced chicken sausage for extra protein power.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
Freezing:
- Not ideal due to the cream, but you can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a pan on low with a bit of cream or broth, or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Rolls
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
- A glass of red wine (like Cabernet or Malbec)
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast
FAQs
Can I use precooked steak?
Yes, just slice it thin and add it in at the final step to warm through.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken with a little parmesan or cornstarch slurry.
What kind of pasta is best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best. They hold sauce well and cook evenly in the pan.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Make the garlic butter steak and keep it separate until ready to combine with cooked pasta.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is the kind of dinner that satisfies every craving—comfort, spice, richness, and simplicity. It brings the indulgent taste of a restaurant-style meal right into your kitchen, with only one pan and no complicated prep. It’s the perfect recipe to impress without stress!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal, a flavorful weeknight solution, or a decadent date-night dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
Make it tonight, and let your skillet do the magic!
