Wanna know what I make when I’m craving something bold and buttery? This One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta hits every craving. It’s rich, spicy, and so, so good.
It’s all in one pot—yep, even the pasta. The garlic butter melts right into the steak. And that little kick of heat? Wow.
It’s creamy but not too heavy. The steak is tender and full of flavor. I could eat the whole pot if no one’s watching.
Trust me, you need this in your life. Let’s get cooking—this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: No juggling pans. Everything cooks together, which means less mess and more flavor in every bite.
- Steakhouse Flavor at Home: Juicy sirloin, garlic butter, and a creamy, peppery sauce—all without leaving your kitchen.
- Balanced Heat: A little red pepper kick adds warmth without overpowering the garlic and cream.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves about 4–6 people, depending on portion size.
Difficulty:
Easy. If you can stir a pot and sear some steak, you’re good to go.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (nonstick or stainless steel)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy, spicy steak pasta together (full measurements in the Recipe Card at the end):
Proteins
- Sirloin Steak – Cut into 1-inch cubes. It cooks fast and stays juicy.
Pasta
- Penne or Rotini – Any short pasta works, but these hold the sauce well.
Dairy
- Butter – For that rich garlic base.
- Heavy Cream – Makes it luscious.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Spices & Seasonings
- Minced Garlic – The flavor star.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Gives that spicy kick.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Keep it simple and let the steak shine.
Oil
- Olive Oil – To sear the steak and prevent sticking.
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens everything up.
Variations for One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
- Make It Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili crisp.
- Swap the Steak: Try shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms for a different protein.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add Veggies: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers right in the pot.
- Cheese Options: Stir in mozzarella or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
1. Sear the Steak
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the sirloin steak cubes in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until browned on one side.
Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until just browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
🔪 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed for best browning.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium.
Add butter and minced garlic. Stir gently until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
🍴 Tip: Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should just soften and smell amazing.
3. Spice It Up
Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
This helps the spices bloom in the butter for more flavor throughout the dish.
4. Cook the Pasta in One Pot
Pour in the uncooked pasta and add enough chicken broth or water to just cover the noodles (about 4 cups).
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
🍝 Note: Stir gently so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
5. Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into a silky sauce.
Add the cooked steak back to the pot and stir to coat everything evenly.
6. Simmer and Finish
Let the whole mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the steak is warmed through and everything is creamy and thick.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
🥄 Optional: Add a little more cheese on top or a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth.
How to Serve One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
This pasta is a full meal in one bowl, but here are a few tasty ways to serve it:
- With Garlic Bread: Use it to scoop up that creamy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh side balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for extra fiber.
🥗 Tip: A squeeze of lemon right before serving adds brightness and cuts the richness.
Storing Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the cream sauce can break when thawed.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Sear the Steak First: Lock in the flavor and juices.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stop when it’s just tender—it’ll continue softening in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Cheese Matters: Real Parmigiano-Reggiano melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
- Adjust the Spice: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more to taste at the end.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Total Fat | 29g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
📌 Note: Nutrition will vary depending on steak cut and pasta type.
One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Course: pasta recipes15
minutes30
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
4 cups chicken broth or water
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Sear the Steak:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and sear 2–3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside. - Make Garlic Butter Base:
Lower heat to medium. Melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add Spices:
Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Cook Pasta:
Pour in pasta and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. - Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in cream and Parmesan. Return steak to the pot and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy. - Serve:
Top with parsley. Serve warm with optional extra cheese or lemon.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes—ribeye, strip steak, or even leftover grilled steak can work. Just be sure to slice it thin and adjust the searing time.
What if I don’t want it spicy?
Skip the red pepper flakes or reduce them to ¼ tsp. You’ll still get the garlic butter richness without the heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can make it a day ahead and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
Conclusion
This creamy, spicy garlic butter steak pasta has become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor with very little cleanup. I hope it becomes one of your go-to meals too. Feel free to make it your own with different proteins or extra veggies.