If you’re dreaming of an easy weeknight dinner that’s loaded with bold flavor and cozy comfort, let me introduce you to your new favorite: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. This dish is everything you want in a single skillet — juicy steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, peppery sauce with a serious punch of garlic. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! The creamy parmesan and a touch of heat make every bite addictive, and it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews whether you’re serving family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is that the ingredient list is ultra-manageable but thoughtfully chosen. Every component brings unique flair — from rich steak to dreamy dairy and a little sparkle of freshness — making this pasta dish as stunning to taste as it is to look at.

Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces: Go with your favorite cut for tenderness and flavor in every forkful.
Butter: This is the foundation of the luscious sauce, adding both a silky texture and rich taste.
Garlic, minced: Four cloves might sound like a lot, but it’s the heart of this dish — don’t skimp!
Crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat goes a long way; adjust to suit your spice cravings.
Heavy cream: This brings the creamy magic, enveloping the pasta and steak in irresistible sauce.
Grated parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential for thickening and flavoring the sauce.
Rotini pasta (or any short pasta): The spirals are perfect for capturing every drop of creamy sauce, but use what you have!
Water or broth: Cooking the pasta right in the same pan infuses everything with flavor — broth takes it up a notch.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, so don’t forget to taste as you go.
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): A pop of green adds freshness and a hint of color to your finished plate.

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

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by heating up a generous tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in those steak pieces, season well with salt and black pepper, and sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until gorgeously browned. Don’t crowd the pan — this ensures a proper crust. Once done, transfer your steak to a plate and set it aside, juices and all. This step makes sure your steak stays tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe out all those flavorful brown bits!), melt in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until your kitchen smells incredible and the garlic is just golden and fragrant — not burnt! This savory-spicy foundation forms the soul of the dish.

Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream right into the skillet and give everything a good stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it gently simmer for 3 or 4 minutes so the flavors meld. Watch as it takes on a velvety texture — this is your sauce base getting richer by the second.

Step 4: Add Parmesan for Flavor and Body

Now sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and integrated. This transforms the sauce into a cheesy blanket that’s thick enough to coat the pasta but still beautifully silky.

Step 5: Cook Pasta All in One Pot

Time for pasta magic! Add the uncooked rotini (or whatever short pasta you love) straight into the creamy sauce along with the water or broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. By the time the pasta is al dente, your sauce will have thickened and coaxed extra flavor out of every ingredient.

Step 6: Return the Steak

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, return the seared steak (including all those flavorful juices!) to the pan. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it sit on the heat for just a minute or two, so the steak heats through and that One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta magic really happens.

Step 7: Taste and Finish

This is your chef’s moment: taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed. Pile your finished pasta into bowls and scatter on a generous handful of chopped parsley (and more parmesan, if you like). That’s it — dig in while it’s steamy and irresistible!

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley turns this hearty meal into a vibrant centerpiece. Don’t hold back on an extra dusting of parmesan if you want even more savory punch. For a little extra heat and color, add a pinch more crushed red pepper right on top!

Side Dishes

This rich One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta pairs deliciously with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette. If you’re feeding a crowd or want something bread-y, a loaf of warm, crusty bread is absolutely perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the pasta right from the skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe, or twirl it onto plates for an elegant touch. Want to impress? Use wide, shallow bowls and top each serving with a towering mound of steak and sauce, finished with a fresh parsley shower and maybe a lemon wedge for brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta are a true gift. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a dream for next-day lunches or a no-stress dinner repeat.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, let cooled pasta and steak come to room temperature, then freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The pasta may soften a bit on reheating, but the flavor will still shine. Try to use frozen portions within 2 months for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream, milk, or even a touch of broth to help loosen the sauce. In a pinch, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent overcooking the steak.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are wonderfully tender, but feel free to swap in New York strip or even filet mignon if you’re feeling fancy. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts might be a bit less juicy, so don’t overcook them.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick. If you go this route, whisk in a little extra parmesan or even a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.

What if I want less spice?

No problem! Simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or skip it altogether for a mild, family-friendly version. You can always add a touch at the table if someone wants a little more heat.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free short pasta works great in this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. Just keep a close eye on the cooking time, since gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster or have slightly different water absorption.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely. Feel free to toss in a handful of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes when you add the pasta and liquid. They’ll cook right along with everything else for an easy veggie boost.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is more than just a quick dinner — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns busy weeknights (or lazy weekends!) into something a little more delicious. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears from the table. Happy cooking!