If you’ve ever wanted all the comfort of a steakhouse dinner and a dreamy pasta dish wrapped up in a single skillet, One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is your answer. This luscious meal brings together juicy steak, lightning-fast pasta, and an utterly addictive garlic butter cream sauce, all with a subtle kick of heat. Everything simmers together for maximum flavor and minimum cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just rescuing a weeknight, this dish is pure magic—creamy, hearty, slightly spicy, and guaranteed to wow anyone at your table.

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta shines because every ingredient is chosen for flavor, texture, or a little touch of luxury. With simple but high-impact pantry staples, you’ll build layers of taste without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:

Steak (1 lb, sirloin or ribeye): Go for a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender bites that stay flavorful through simmering.
Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): The real foundation of this sauce—a richer flavor than oil, and the “secret” to that glossy, decadent finish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a savory kick; fresh garlic will truly stand out here.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough heat to keep things interesting, but feel free to adjust up or down for your spice tolerance.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This makes the sauce so velvety and indulgent, coating each noodle and steak bite perfectly.
Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts right into the sauce for umami depth and a salty finish.
Rotini pasta (8 oz): The corkscrews grab every drop of sauce, but any short pasta you love will work just as well.
Water or broth (2.5–3 cups): Broth brings an extra savory boost, but plain water keeps it classic and lets the other flavors shine.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Makes every flavor pop—don’t skip the tasting at the end!
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a bright color contrast and fresher note to this otherwise rich dish.

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

Step 1: Sear Your Steak

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your bite-sized steak pieces in, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side—the goal is a deep, brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Take the steak out and set it aside on a plate for later. Those flavorful browned bits left behind in the pan are pure gold for your sauce!

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Into the still-hot skillet, drop your second tablespoon of butter. As soon as it melts, stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Just a minute or so is all it takes for the garlic to become fragrant and the red pepper to toast slightly, so your kitchen will smell incredible—watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in your heavy cream, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet. Stir gently and let it bubble for about 3–4 minutes, reducing just enough to get luscious syrupy edges. This is where those steak juices and garlic meld into the cream for ultra-rich flavor.

Step 4: Parmesan Power

With the cream gently simmering, add your grated parmesan. It will melt fast, thickening the sauce and bringing a delightful salty, nutty kick. Stir well until the cheese is completely melded and your sauce looks silky smooth.

Step 5: The Pasta Plus Magic

Toss in your uncooked rotini and pour in 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth, depending on how saucy you like things. Crank up the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil, then drop it down to a simmer and cover. Let the pasta cook for about 10–12 minutes, giving it a stir now and then so nothing sticks and every piece gets coated in luscious sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

When your pasta is al dente and your sauce looks thick and creamy, slide the steak (and all its resting juices) back into the pan. Give everything a good stir to make sure each bite has a bit of steak and every noodle is perfectly sauced.

Step 7: Taste & Finish

Give the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If you’re feeling fancy, shower over some chopped parsley and maybe a dusting of extra parmesan. Serve it piping hot for true steakhouse-pasta bliss.

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

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference! A sprinkle of chopped parsley gives brightness, while an extra shower of parmesan adds more creamy goodness and a nutty finish. If you’re craving an extra kick, a touch more crushed red pepper or a drizzle of chili oil on top can really set the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta apart.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet is a meal in itself, but a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed greens with a dash of lemon) provides a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness. Warm, crusty bread or a buttery garlic baguette will also help you mop up every drop of that dreamy sauce from your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated touch, swirl the pasta into shallow bowls and top with steak pieces for restaurant flair. Or, for a family-style vibe, serve it right in the skillet at the table. You can even portion the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with a bit of parsley and parmesan for a celebratory dinner party feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container and cool to room temperature before storing. The One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors might even deepen as it sits.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta for a future treat! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best taste and texture, use within 1 to 2 months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth, cream, or milk before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often so the sauce remains smooth and creamy, and heat just until everything is hot—overcooking may dry out the steak or sauce. Finish with fresh parsley or parmesan for a revived, just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! Ribeye and sirloin are classics for tenderness, but strip steak or even filet mignon work beautifully. Just aim for well-marbled, quick-cooking cuts and slice them into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking in the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta.

What if I want it less spicy?

Simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper, or skip it entirely if you’re not a fan of heat. The dish, especially the luscious garlic butter sauce, will still be deeply flavorful and comforting even without the spice.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Of course! Swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta, and always double-check that your broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free. Everything else in this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is naturally gluten-free.

Will other types of cheese work?

While parmesan brings classic, nutty flavor, you could experiment with pecorino, asiago, or a mix of hard, aged Italian cheeses for a twist. Just keep the quantity the same to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Toss in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of simmering. They’ll add extra color, nutrition, and a touch of brightness to your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that truly delivers maximum flavor with minimal mess, you can’t go wrong with this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. It’s indulgent, easy, and utterly memorable—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort food for steak and pasta cravings!