When dinner calls for something hearty and comforting, this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta steps right up to steal the show. This isn’t just any weeknight meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, tender textures, and that addictive garlic butter goodness you’ll want to spoon right off the plate. With its intermediate difficulty level, this steak pasta masterpiece manages to feel both impressive and totally achievable in about 45 minutes total: 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to cook, plus a quick 5-minute rest for everything to settle. At roughly 650 calories per serving, it hits the sweet spot between indulgent and balanced, delivering a spicy meal that doubles down on comfort.
Pulling together pantry staples like heavy cream, beef broth, and Parmesan cheese, plus fresh ingredients like sirloin strips and spinach, this one-pot recipe showcases how a handful of well-chosen components can create a symphony of taste. The creamy sauce envelops each penne noodle in a velvety hug, while the red pepper flakes inject just the right kick to keep your taste buds dancing. By sealing in steak juices with a quick sear in olive oil, you lock in savory richness before folding in garlic and butter for that signature aromatic lift. Whether you’re craving garlic butter pasta with a punch or simply hunting for a quick dinner that wows, this dish has got your name written all over it.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Every ingredient in this one-pot delight plays a starring role, combining to create a perfect balance of spice, richness, and freshness. From the meat that brings hearty satisfaction to the greens that brighten each bite, each component works in harmony to elevate your dinner game.
- Olive oil
A high-heat cooking fat that helps sear the steak strips to a beautiful golden brown, locking in juices and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- Sirloin steak
Lean yet tender, this cut provides a meaty foundation. Slicing it into strips ensures quick cooking and flawless bites of savory beef throughout the pasta.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that amplify the natural flavors of the steak and create a well-rounded base for the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter
Melts into a rich, velvety canvas for garlic and spices. Its creamy texture helps emulsify the sauce and lends a buttery depth.
- Garlic
Minced to release its pungent aroma, garlic infuses the sauce with its signature warmth and sets the tone for a comforting garlic butter experience.
- Red pepper flakes
These deliver a lively spicy note that cuts through the creaminess, enabling you to adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
- Heavy cream
The backbone of the creamy sauce, providing thickness, silkiness, and a luscious mouthfeel that coats each penne noodle.
- Beef broth
Adds savory complexity and balances the richness of the cream. It also helps achieve the ideal sauce consistency as the pasta cooks.
- Penne pasta
Tubular noodles perfect for capturing sauce in their ridged exterior and hollow center, ensuring every bite is drenched in flavor.
- Parmesan cheese
Grated for easy melting, it brings nuttiness and umami, thickening the sauce and creating a glossy finish.
- Spinach leaves
Wilt down to tender green ribbons, adding a burst of color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the richness.
- Fresh parsley
Sprinkled on top for a pop of herbaceous brightness and a final visual flourish.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Let’s dive into how you’ll transform these ingredients into a soul-satisfying dinner in one pan. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a skillet full of tender steak, al dente pasta, and a decadent, spicy garlic butter sauce before you know it.
1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in a single layer. Sear the steak without moving it for a few minutes on each side until it develops a rich brown crust all around. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside on a plate to rest.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same pot. As it melts, stir gently to capture all the steak bits stuck to the bottom. Once the butter is bubbly, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine every flavorful scrap from the pan. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching as the liquid begins to thicken.
4. Add the penne pasta directly into the creamy mixture, making sure each piece is submerged. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and has absorbed much of the sauce.
5. Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until it melts completely and helps the sauce thicken to a luscious consistency.
6. Return the seared steak to the pot, nestling the strips among the pasta. Add the spinach leaves as well, folding everything together until the greens have wilted and all ingredients are heated through.
7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
8. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Elevating your serving presentation can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or treating yourself to a solo feast, these suggestions make plating and pairing a breeze.
- Crusty Garlic Bread
Serve alongside warm slices of crusty loaf smeared with garlic butter. The crispy exterior soaks up every drop of creamy sauce, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Crisp Side Salad
Pair with a fresh green salad featuring mixed lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp textures and tangy dressing offer a palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, spicy pasta.
- Bold Red Wine
Choose a medium-bodied red such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s tannins cut through the creaminess, while its fruit-forward notes complement the steak’s savory profile.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots
Twist store-bought dough into knots, bake until golden, then brush with garlic-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. These bite-sized treats echo the flavors in the pasta while adding a playful touch.
HOW TO STORE ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Proper storage ensures that your creamy, spicy creation remains just as delicious when you revisit it. Whether you’re packing lunches or stashing leftovers for those lazy nights in, here’s how to keep this dish tasting fresh.
Refrigeration is your go-to method for short-term storage. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the creamy texture and vibrant spinach without compromising flavor.
- Airtight Containers
Use BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Minimizing air exposure prevents the sauce from thickening too much and keeps the spinach from turning wilted and discolored.
- Separate Portions
For grab-and-go meals, portion into single-serve containers. This avoids repeatedly heating the entire batch and helps maintain the dish’s ideal creaminess and texture.
- Gentle Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between cycles.
- Freezing for Longer Storage
If you want to keep this meal beyond a few days, store individual portions in freezer-safe bags. Lay them flat to freeze quickly and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as noted above.
CONCLUSION
Recapping this delightful journey through sizzling steak strips, al dente penne, and a lusciously creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce, it’s clear why this one-pot recipe has earned its place in your weeknight lineup. With just one skillet to wash, you’ll revel in the ease of preparation without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The interplay of tender sirloin, vibrant spinach, and nutty Parmesan, all brought together by the warmth of red pepper flakes, embodies the very essence of comfort food with a sophisticated edge. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers that irresistible combination of savory, spicy, and creamy notes that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder so you can revisit it again and again. You can also save it in your digital library for quick access on busy nights. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot common questions and give you extra confidence as you cook. If you have any thoughts, comments, or memorable experiences whipping up this creamy garlic butter steak pasta, drop a note below! Your feedback helps create a vibrant community of home cooks and dreamers who turn kitchens into spaces of delicious discovery. Whether you’re fine-tuning the spice level or swapping in seasonal veggies, we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Description
A hearty fusion of tender steak and al dente pasta enveloped in a creamy, spicy garlic sauce that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the steak until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook in the creamy sauce for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente.
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Once the pasta is cooked, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
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Return the seared steak to the pot along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the level of spice by altering the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty garlic bread.
