Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

Alright, this pasta is next-level. Think juicy steak, creamy ranch sauce, melty mozzarella, and garlic butter pasta all in one dish. I made it once, and now it’s my go-to for a rich, comfort-filled dinner.

The steak is perfectly seared, and the creamy ranch sauce adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella. The garlic butter pasta? It’s the perfect base to soak up all that flavor. Each bite is comforting and indulgent.

If you love creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta with a little extra flair, this dish is calling your name. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress without the hassle. I always make extra—this one doesn’t last long.

Let’s cook this together! This creamy ranch steak mozzarella garlic butter pasta is easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit. You won’t believe how delicious it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup easy.
• Flavor-Packed: The steak is seared with garlic butter and smothered in a creamy ranch base.
• Kid-Approved: Cheesy, creamy, and mild—great for picky eaters too.
• Fast Dinner Fix: Done in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Swap pasta types or adjust cheese based on what you have at home.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: Makes enough for 4–6 hungry people.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly but satisfying for any home cook.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cutting board & sharp knife

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy steak pasta (exact amounts are listed in the recipe card at the end):

• Steak: I use sirloin, sliced thin so it cooks quickly.
• Pasta: Penne or rotini works best to catch all the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the steak.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for deep flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce—smooth and velvety.
• Ranch Dressing: Bottled or homemade—adds tang and herbiness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and stirred in for creamy melt.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning, but important.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For color and a light herbal finish.

Variations for Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta

• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more texture.
• Use Chicken Instead: Great swap if steak’s not on hand.
• Change the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and check your ranch dressing label.

How to Make Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat butter in a skillet. Add sliced steak and let it sear without moving for a couple of minutes. Once browned, flip and cook the other side until the steak is cooked through but still tender. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and toss in minced garlic. Cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.

4. Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to mix it with the garlic butter. Let it warm up for about 2–3 minutes until it starts to slightly bubble around the edges.

5. Add Ranch and Cheese

Stir in the ranch dressing. Mix well so it blends smoothly with the cream. Add in the shredded mozzarella a little at a time, stirring as it melts. The sauce should become thick and creamy.

6. Combine Steak and Pasta

Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and the steak is nestled into the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.

7. Taste and Adjust

Add salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it. If you want more richness, a small pat of butter can be melted in at the end.

Serving and Decoration

• Serve Hot: Spoon the creamy steak pasta into bowls or plates while it’s still warm and melty.
• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color or extra cheese if you’d like.
• Pair With: Crusty bread or a side salad makes a nice balance.

Storing Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the smoothness.
• Freezing: Not ideal—cream-based sauces can separate. Best eaten fresh or from the fridge.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Thinly Slice the Steak: It cooks quicker and stays more tender. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing if cooked whole.
• Don’t Boil the Sauce: Keep the heat low once the cream is added to avoid curdling.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It adds more flavor than garlic powder here.
• Balance the Ranch: Taste before adding more—it can easily overpower if too much is used.
• Prep Ahead: Slice steak and shred cheese in advance to save time.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	620 kcal
Protein	31 g
Fat	38 g
Saturated Fat	19 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	730 mg
Calcium	220 mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will all work. Just choose something that holds sauce well.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can make a quick homemade version using mayo, sour cream, garlic, herbs (like dill and parsley), and a bit of lemon juice.

Can I make it ahead of time?
This pasta tastes best fresh, but you can prep the steak and sauce ahead. Store them separately and reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well—they tend to separate. I recommend storing in the fridge for up to 3 days instead.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is comfort food at its best. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, all made in one skillet. I love how easy it is, especially on busy nights when I still want something that feels homemade. And honestly, it’s hard to go wrong when garlic butter and melted cheese are involved.