If you’re craving a rich, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bites of juicy steak perfectly seared in garlic butter, infused with a spicy kick, all tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine. This dish delivers comfort and indulgence in one pot, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
Why One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is Worth Your Time
One-pot meals are a game changer in busy kitchens, and this recipe is no exception. It combines the best of both worlds—steakhouse-worthy flavor and the convenience of pasta—without sacrificing taste or texture. Using just one pot, you save time on washing dishes, and the flavors meld together beautifully as the pasta cooks right in the creamy, garlicky sauce. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that balances the richness from the butter and cream perfectly. Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs or extra veggies. If you love hearty, creamy pasta dishes but want something that feels a little more elevated, this is the perfect recipe to bookmark.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan – For searing the steak and cooking the pasta all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – To stir the pasta and sauce without scratching the pan.
- Knife and cutting board – For prepping the steak and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
- Grater – For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta in Steps
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak
Begin by cutting your chosen steak (sirloin or ribeye) into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with the bold flavors that define this dish.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked fettuccine pasta, pushing it down gently so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Return Steak and Finish with Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, return the seared steak to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- Dairy-free: Substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-free: Replace fettuccine with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
- Low sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
- Garlic intolerant: Use garlic-infused olive oil to maintain flavor without garlic cloves.
Insider Tips
- For the best steak flavor and tenderness, choose cuts like sirloin or ribeye and avoid overcooking—searing quickly on high heat locks in juices.
- Be patient when cooking the pasta in the sauce; stirring occasionally prevents sticking but allows the pasta to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Experiment with adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to incorporate extra veggies into the dish.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try this recipe as a variation alongside Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Skillet With Rice.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove to avoid curdling. While freezing is possible, the cream sauce may separate slightly; if freezing, reheat slowly and stir well to recombine the sauce.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully for this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or rigatoni. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
How spicy is the dish with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the rich creaminess without overpowering it. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or omit entirely. For more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the steak tender.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can lighten the dish by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and reducing the butter slightly. Adding vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can also bulk it up with fewer calories.
You Might Also Like
- Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Skillet With Rice – For a hearty, skillet meal packed with savory mushrooms.
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Mac – A smoky and creamy seafood pasta delight.
- Cheesy Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake – A baked pasta with bold fajita flavors and melty cheese.
Before You Go
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting, so this one-pot wonder comes together seamlessly. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. And don’t forget to enjoy every creamy, spicy, garlicky bite!
This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta recipe brings together the perfect balance of rich, spicy, and savory flavors in a fuss-free dinner. It’s an impressive meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough for company. The best part? Minimal cleanup thanks to one pot doing all the work. Try it tonight and discover your new favorite creamy pasta dish!
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One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting your chosen steak (sirloin or ribeye) into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with the bold flavors that define this dish.
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked fettuccine pasta, pushing it down gently so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, return the seared steak to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Choose sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful steak and avoid overcooking by searing quickly on high heat.
- Stir pasta occasionally while cooking in the sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of beef broth or cream.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid to maintain creaminess.
