One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

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Juicy, tender steak bites seared to perfection and tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce—this dish is a carnivore’s dream come true. The steak stays beautifully pink and juicy on the inside while developing a flavorful crust, and the pasta soaks up every drop of the buttery, garlicky, cheesy sauce. This is the kind of meal that turns any weeknight into a special occasion.

What makes this pasta extra irresistible is its simplicity. Everything comes together in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor as the ingredients build off each other. The melted Parmesan creates a creamy, cheesy coating, while a touch of chili flakes brings the heat. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon, this recipe is comfort food with a bold, savory kick.

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Ingredients for One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Steak

Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden-brown and medium-rare inside. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well to coat the pasta evenly. If using, add the heavy cream at this point and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to create a creamy consistency.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Steak

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well mixed. Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm the steak through.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for the best flavor.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce over time, so you might want to add a splash of water or cream when reheating.
• Freezer: You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the steak and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or cream. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: ~630
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin is a great option for its balance of tenderness and flavor. You can also use ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon for a more luxurious dish.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of extra Parmesan, or even just more pasta water for a lighter version.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure the Parmesan and any seasonings are also certified gluten-free.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Sauté them with the garlic or add them in with the pasta.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can cook the pasta and sear the steak ahead of time. Reheat everything together with the sauce just before serving for best results.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded or powdered types as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne holds the sauce well, but you can use rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine if you prefer.

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