One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Craving something spicy, garlicky, and totally indulgent? This One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta has all the flavors you want—rich, buttery, and a little kick of heat—all in one skillet!

The steak is perfectly seared, then tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The pasta soaks up all that savory goodness, with just enough spice to make it extra special.

It’s rich, it’s bold, and every bite has that perfect balance of buttery garlic and cheesy Parmesan. Plus, the spice level is just right, giving you that satisfying heat without overpowering the dish.

I’ll show you how simple it is to make this one-skillet wonder. One pan, tons of flavor, and a meal your taste buds will thank you for. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All in One Pan: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything cooks together.
• Rich and Creamy: The garlic butter coats the pasta like a warm hug.
• Spicy but Balanced: A little red pepper flake adds kick, not too much.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the cheesy pasta. Grown-ups love the steak.
• Weeknight Hero: It’s ready fast and feels special without the work.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners, flavorful enough for seasoned cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch, preferably nonstick or cast iron)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Wooden spoon or silicone spoon
• Pasta pot (if cooking pasta separately)
• Colander

Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this one-pan pasta come together. The measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced thin – Tender and quick to cook.
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine – Long pasta works best to hold the creamy sauce.
• 4 cups beef broth – Adds depth and richness to the base.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – For the garlic butter sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Brings out that bold, savory kick.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) – Adds heat and contrast.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for creamy richness.

Seasonings & Garnish:

• Salt and pepper to taste – Season the steak and sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a bright, fresh finish.

Variations for This Recipe

• Swap the Steak: You can use chicken or shrimp if you don’t have steak. Just adjust the cooking time.
• Use a Different Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work too. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels as they cook.
• Creamier Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or a scoop of cream cheese for a silkier sauce.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to bulk it up and add more texture.
• Make It Milder: Cut the red pepper flakes in half or leave them out entirely if you prefer it less spicy.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Slice the steak into thin strips. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Mince the garlic and chop parsley if using.
• Measure all other ingredients so they’re ready to go.

2. Cook the Steak

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced steak in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
• Add butter and let it melt.
• Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, not burnt.

4. Add the Broth and Pasta

• Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
• Add uncooked spaghetti (break in half if needed to fit).
• Push pasta into the liquid so it’s mostly submerged.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finish with Cheese and Steak

• When pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, lower the heat.
• Stir in grated Parmesan until creamy and fully melted.
• Return the cooked steak to the skillet and mix it in.
• Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
• Serve hot and enjoy.

How to Serve This Pasta

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: For soaking up every bit of sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini pair well with the steak and cheese.

You can also serve it family-style straight from the skillet. It’s casual and cozy—just the way pasta should be.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 1 month.

How to Reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sear it quickly and remove it from the heat to keep it tender.
• Stir Often: When cooking pasta in broth, stir every few minutes so it doesn’t stick.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan will give a creamier finish.
• Balance the Spice: Taste and adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (based on 6 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	590 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	580 mg
Calcium	220 mg
Iron	3 mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes. Just slice and warm it at the end to avoid overcooking.

Is it too spicy?
The red pepper flakes give a gentle heat. You can reduce or skip them if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and skip the cheese—or replace with a vegan alternative.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch, though beef broth gives the deepest flavor.

Can I make it ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Conclusion

This One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta brings together rich garlic butter, tender steak, and cheesy pasta—all in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but fits right into a busy evening. With easy cleanup and big flavor, this pasta is sure to become a weeknight favorite in your home.