One Skillet Creamy Bbq Ranch Steak Pasta

This One Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is a total flavor bomb. Sweet, smoky, creamy—and all in one pan. It’s like a backyard cookout and comfort food had a baby.

The BBQ sauce gives it that bold, tangy kick. The ranch makes it smooth and creamy. And the steak? Juicy and perfect in every bite.

It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The pasta soaks up every drop of that creamy BBQ ranch sauce. I make it once—and everyone’s hooked.

Grab your skillet and let’s make this together. It’s easy, fast, and seriously delicious. You’re gonna want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Skillet Wonder: No boiling pasta in a separate pot. Everything cooks together in one pan.
• Flavor-Packed: BBQ sauce and ranch dressing create a tangy, creamy base that hugs every bite.
• Steak Night, Made Easy: Steak makes it feel special—but it’s ready in under an hour.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and rich. The kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Customizable: Works with chicken or sausage, too.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes

Servings: Serves 4–6 as a main dish. Want leftovers? Just double the steak and pasta.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. If you can slice steak and stir pasta, you’ve got this.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
• Tongs (for flipping steak)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: cheese grater if shredding cheese from a block

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this creamy BBQ ranch steak pasta together. (Exact measurements will be in the recipe card later.)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak, thinly sliced (sirloin or flank works best)
• 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Oils:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley (for color and freshness)

Variations for One Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Chicken breast or smoked sausage work just as well.
• Add Veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking.
• Change the Cheese: Monterey Jack or smoked gouda can replace cheddar for a milder or smokier flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce.

How to Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Steak

Slice the steak into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it sit while you prep everything else.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side, until browned but not overcooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Build the Base

In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the Pasta

Stir the uncooked penne (or fusilli) into the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. The pasta will soak up the flavors as it cooks.

5. Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt fully into the sauce—this creates that signature creamy finish.

6. Return the Steak

Add the cooked steak back into the pan. Stir to combine everything and let it warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is hearty on its own, but a little freshness goes a long way.

How to Serve It:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and brightness.
• Side Option: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• For Bread Lovers: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

Want to make it a bit fancy? A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top before serving can make it pop.

Storing One Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta

This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezer-Friendly? Not ideal—the cream sauce may separate when thawed. Best eaten fresh or within a few days.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Thinly Slice the Steak: The thinner the cut, the faster and more evenly it cooks. This also helps it stay tender.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stop cooking once it’s just al dente. It’ll continue softening slightly in the hot sauce.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy and resist melting. For the smoothest sauce, shred your own.
• Stir Often: Once the pasta is cooking in the sauce, stir occasionally to keep it from sticking or scorching at the bottom.
• Rest the Steak: Letting it sit after searing helps the juices redistribute. Don’t skip this step.

Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~580 kcal
Protein	34 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugars	6 g
Sodium	640 mg
Cholesterol	105 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover steak?
Yes! Just slice it thin and add it at the very end to warm through. Don’t cook it again or it may become tough.

What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or shells work great because they hold the sauce. Avoid spaghetti or linguine.

Is there a way to make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a light ranch dressing. You could also use leaner cuts of beef like sirloin.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and increase all ingredients proportionally. You may need a few extra minutes of simmering.

Does the BBQ sauce make it too sweet?
Not at all—BBQ sauce adds depth and a hint of sweetness, but the ranch and cream mellow it out. You can use a spicier or tangier BBQ sauce if you prefer.

Conclusion

This One Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta hits the sweet spot between comfort food and bold flavor. It’s rich, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without extra cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a steak dinner with a twist—this dish brings it all together in one pan.