When you’re craving something utterly indulgent, deeply satisfying, and just a little bit spicy, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming plate of One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. Imagine juicy, perfectly seared steak mingling with spiraled pasta in a silky parmesan cream sauce, swirled with fresh garlic and that addictive kick of red pepper flakes. The best part? Everything gets tossed together in a single pot, so you’re left with the biggest flavor for the least amount of mess. This is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll find yourself making over and over — and for good reason!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is in its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Every component brings something special, whether it’s richness, heat, or an irresistible savoriness that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds).

Steak (1 lb, sirloin or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for the juiciest, most flavorful bites — cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking.
Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Essential for that luscious, velvety sauce and those golden steak edges.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the depth of flavor freshly minced garlic adds here. Don’t skimp!
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds the perfect spicy spark; adjust to your heat preference.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to a dreamy, creamy sauce that hugs every bite.
Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts right in for salty, nutty, and cheesy backbone.
Rotini pasta (8 oz): Those twists trap all the saucy goodness; any short pasta works if you’re out of rotini.
Water or broth (2.5–3 cups): Using broth supercharges your sauce with more flavor, but water absolutely does the trick for simplicity.
Salt and black pepper: These basics are nonnegotiable — taste and season as you go to make everything sing.
Chopped parsley (optional): Totally optional, but a little sprinkle adds freshness and gorgeous color at the end.

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

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start things off by heating one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your steak pieces, giving them at least a little space so they sear, not steam. Season with salt and pepper, then let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side—look for that caramelized color! Once browned and just cooked to your liking, scoop them out and set aside on a plate. This step locks in all the meaty flavor and those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan with all those steak juices, melt your remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring often, and let them bloom for a minute or two. The aroma is going to be out of this world—fragrant, spicy, and buttery. This sets the foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Pour in Cream

Time to make things lush! Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir everything together, scraping up any golden bits on the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly and tastes rich.

Step 4: Melt in the Parmesan

Add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it fully melts into the cream. You’ll notice the sauce take on that glorious glossy, cheesy finish. This is the backbone of the entire One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta experience!

Step 5: Add Pasta and Broth

Now, toss the uncooked rotini into the pan along with 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth (start with less if you like a thicker sauce, more if you want it looser). Bring everything to a boil, then immediately turn down to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir every now and then so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

Step 6: Finish with Steak

When the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened just right, return your glorious steak (and those flavor-packed juices) to the skillet. Stir well to coat every bite in that creamy, spicy, garlicky sauce. Give the whole thing a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 7: Sprinkle and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, scatter over fresh parsley for a pop of color, and, if you’re so inclined, add an extra shower of parmesan. Serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta piping hot — it’s impossible to resist!

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

Garnishes

For that final chef’s touch, I love a generous handful of chopped parsley scattered right before serving, which brightens up the plate beautifully. More freshly grated parmesan is always a good idea, and if you like a bolder heat, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes on top won’t hurt. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a gorgeous sheen.

Side Dishes

Since One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is already a luxurious meal on its own, stick with sides that offer a little contrast. Barely-dressed arugula salad or garlicky steamed green beans give a fresh crunch to each plate. Crusty bread is never amiss for sopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an event by piling the pasta high in a dramatic serving bowl, or try plating individual portions with a sprinkle of microgreens for a modern spin. For fun entertaining, consider serving this dish in mini ramekins as a decadent appetizer. Leftovers can even morph into skillet frittatas the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta only deepen as it sits, making lunch the next day a true treat.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze portions for up to a month, but keep in mind creamy sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, store cooled pasta and steak together, wrapped tight to guard against freezer burn.

Reheating

When you’re ready to relive the magic, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of cream or broth to revive the luscious sauce. Heat just until warmed through—overcooking can make the steak lose its tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak?

Absolutely! Any tender cut works well for this recipe. Sirloin and ribeye are favorites, but strip steak or even filet mignon are delicious alternatives. Try to avoid tougher cuts, which won’t be as melt-in-your-mouth.

What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini is great because it traps all that spicy, creamy sauce, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are equally wonderful. Just keep an eye on cooking time if you swap shapes.

How do I make it less spicy?

Simply dial back the amount of red pepper flakes, or skip them altogether for a totally mild, kid-friendly version. You can always sprinkle a little on at the end for adventurous eaters!

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes work amazingly well. Stir them in during step 3 or 5 so they meld nicely into the sauce alongside the pasta.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely, though you’ll want to use the largest pot or deep skillet you have to give everything a stir without overcrowding. Adjust the liquids slightly to make sure the pasta cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra special about a bubbling pan of One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta waiting at the dinner table — so rich, so savory, and so simple to prepare. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised when your family starts requesting it every week!

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta, where tender steak mingles with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the parmesan until melted into the sauce.
Add the uncooked pasta and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, return the steak (and its juices) to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and more parmesan if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian