If you’re craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless, I can’t recommend the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe enough. This dish is a delicious marriage of tender, perfectly seared steak, a rich and velvety garlic butter sauce, and pasta that soaks up every luscious drop of flavor. What makes it truly special is how everything cooks together in one pot, making it a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just want to impress without the stress. The comforting creaminess paired with a little spicy kick makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this dish so approachable yet packed with flavor. Each element plays a vital role—from the savory depth of the steak and broth to the creamy touch of butter and cheese, not to mention the subtle heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start cooking:
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak: Choose sirloin for tenderness, or flank and ribeye as tasty alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Balances flavors perfectly; adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best to wake up the dish’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth; swap for sweet paprika if you prefer milder notes.
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Gives silky richness; use olive oil or ghee if avoiding dairy.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the essential punch of flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that spicy kick, omit if you want it mild.
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth: It enriches the sauce and keeps it savory; chicken broth works too.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce wonderfully; penne or rigatoni are great swaps.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra creamy, or lighten it with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish; pecorino romano or nutritional yeast can replace it.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Optional, but it deepens the savory layers beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright herbaceous touch as garnish; try swapping for basil or cilantro if adventurous.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Begin by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes or strips for quick cooking. Sprinkle it generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning not only elevates the flavor but also builds the foundation for that irresistibly smoky-spicy profile this dish is loved for.
Step 2: Sear the Steak in Butter
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. When it’s shimmering, add the steak pieces, giving them plenty of space to sear properly. Cook until browned on all sides—this caramelization locks in juices and adds incredible flavor. Remove the steak and set it aside; we’ll add it back later so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Saute Garlic and Spices
Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with freshly minced garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them in until fragrant; this step is important as it infuses the butter with the sweet and spicy essence that defines the dish’s character.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those are flavor gold! Bring it to a simmer, then add the rotini pasta. Stir it so the pasta doesn’t stick and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until al dente, about 10 minutes depending on your pasta.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce with Steak
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and onion powder. Stir well to combine so the sauce thickens and turns luscious. Return the seared steak to the pot, gently combining so everything is coated in this decadent sauce. Let it warm through for a couple more minutes until everything is perfectly melded.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the rich creaminess and add a fresh herbal note. You might also sprinkle some extra Parmesan for an elegant finish and a hit of umami. A light drizzle of olive oil can add a glossy look and boost flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This meal is fairly rich and filling, so pair it with something light and crisp. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli offers a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in deep bowls to highlight the creamy sauce and juicy steak chunks, making it cozy and inviting. For a special occasion, arrange slices of steak on top and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. You can even portion it into small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for a gratin effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze in tightly sealed containers for up to 2 months. Because of the cream and pasta texture, it’s best to gently thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the sauce’s consistency and avoid separation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving is fine but stir frequently to prevent hot spots and curdling. With this care, your meal tastes nearly as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin works beautifully here, but flank or ribeye make fantastic alternatives depending on your preference and budget. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly and stay tender in the one-pot method.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter with olive oil or ghee, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to keep that cheesy flavor. The dish remains creamy and delicious without dairy!
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a moderate spicy kick, but you’re totally free to reduce or omit them for a milder version. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add more or even a dash of hot sauce at the end.
What pasta works best for the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe?
Rotini is ideal because its spirals hold the sauce wonderfully, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great substitutes. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair since they may overcook quickly in this method.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop steak and garlic in advance and keep ready in the fridge, but it’s best cooked fresh to enjoy the juicy textures and fresh flavors at their peak. Leftovers are wonderful though, so making extra is encouraged!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this delightful One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those magical meals that feels fancy yet comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Rich, comforting, and just the right amount of spicy, it’s perfect for elevating any dinner night into something truly memorable. Happy cooking!
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One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta. A perfect blend of tender sirloin steak, robust spices, and creamy pasta come together in a single pot for an easy yet indulgent weeknight meal. The garlic butter and spicy red pepper flakes add bold depth, while the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream create a luscious sauce that coats every bite of perfectly cooked rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak (Can substitute with flank or ribeye.)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Sweet paprika can be used for milder flavor.)
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Can be replaced with olive oil or ghee for dairy-free.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic is best.)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Omit for milder dish.)
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth (Chicken broth can be used for lighter touch.)
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Half-and-half or coconut cream can lighten it up.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Optional; enhance flavor complexity.)
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (For garnish; may try basil or cilantro for a twist.)
Instructions
- Season the Steak: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Pat the sirloin steak dry and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides to ensure the steak is well-seasoned.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the steak and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the rotini pasta and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain and add it back into the pan, folding it gently into the pasta and sauce to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste with extra salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pot meal hot from the pan.
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin steak with flank or ribeye for different textures and flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or ghee instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.
- Alternative pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well if rotini isn’t available.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
