Name: One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cubed; 8 oz rotini pasta, uncooked; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

When rich, creamy comfort meets a kick of spice and the decadence of steak, you get this irresistible One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. This dish is a go-to for weeknights when you crave something hearty yet exciting. It’s bold, satisfying, and comes together in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor-packed bites.

Each forkful brings tender steak bites seared in garlic butter, coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that clings to every twist of pasta. It’s the perfect fusion of convenience and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting or just feeding yourself, this recipe feels like a cozy indulgence made with everyday ingredients.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta effortlessly, here’s what you’ll need:

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven: This is the heart of the recipe. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even searing of the steak and perfect simmering of the sauce and pasta.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the steak pieces quickly while retaining the sear.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps deglaze the pan and stir the creamy sauce without scratching your cookware.

Sharp chef’s knife: A must for cleanly slicing steak into even, tender bites.
Measuring cups & spoons: Essential for balancing the spice and richness in the sauce.

Having these tools ready not only streamlines the process but ensures your steak is juicy, your pasta is tender, and your sauce is silky and spicy without being overpowering.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and indulgence:

Steak (sirloin or ribeye) – The main protein, offering richness and a hearty bite. Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness.
Rotini pasta – Its twists are perfect for catching all the creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce.

Butter – A base element for flavor and for searing the steak. It adds richness and depth.
Garlic (minced) – The star of the dish, it infuses the butter and steak with aromatic, savory warmth.
Heavy cream – Brings the luxurious creaminess to the sauce.

Beef broth – Enhances the meaty flavor and helps balance the sauce.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds that spicy kick without overpowering the flavor.

Paprika & onion powder – For warm, smoky depth and a little savory balance.
Salt & black pepper – Essential seasoning to enhance every layer.
Chopped parsley – Freshness and color to brighten the final dish.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak bites and sear them until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Infuse the Garlic Butter

Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly to prevent burning and let the garlic turn fragrant and golden.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Let them toast in the butter for 30 seconds to release aroma.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked rotini pasta. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Return the Steak

Add the seared steak back into the pan. Toss gently to coat with the sauce. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, spicy garlic bliss!

How to Serve and Store Your One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This dish is best served fresh and hot, straight from the pan. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and steak when served immediately. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave on medium heat or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are top choices for tenderness, flank steak or strip steak also work well. Just be sure to slice against the grain for a tender bite.

Is it possible to make this less spicy?

Yes—just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You’ll still have all the garlicky, buttery goodness without the heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they vary slightly by pasta shape.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of cream cheese for a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best fresh, but you can prep the steak and measure ingredients ahead. Cook it just before serving for the best texture.

How do I keep the steak from overcooking?

Sear it quickly and remove from the heat early. Since it’s added back at the end, it finishes cooking gently without drying out.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love this One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore these flavorful pasta recipes next:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a chicken-based twist on creamy garlic pasta.

One Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta for a bolder, Cajun-flavored experience.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving beefy comfort in every bite.
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake if you love oven-baked pasta with a spicy buffalo edge.

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for more garlic-forward steak pasta deliciousness.

And if you’re looking for daily inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest page: Life With Olivia on Pinterest — I share fresh recipes there every week!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Pin this recipe to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so it’s easy to find the next time you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and satisfying.

Tried it out? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you go extra bold on the garlic? Swap the pasta shape? Drop your version in the comments below — your twist might inspire someone else!

Questions are always welcome too. Let’s keep cooking smarter together. 💬🍴

One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, spicy, and indulgent, this One Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is a comfort food lover’s dream. With tender steak bites seared in garlic butter and a sauce that hugs every twist of pasta, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took hours — but comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.

3. Stir in paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toast for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.

5. Add rotini pasta. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Once pasta is al dente, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

7. Return steak to the pan. Toss to coat and heat through for 2–3 minutes.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.