One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

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One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion, blending the richness of seared steak with the silkiness of a garlic butter cream sauce—all wrapped around al dente rotini pasta. Each bite delivers a luxurious mix of savory, spicy, and buttery notes, with tender steak pieces that melt into the dish like they belong there. The pasta clings lovingly to the sauce, making sure none of the deep flavors are left behind.

What makes this dish especially special is how it all comes together in one pan. You’re layering bold flavors in stages—browning steak cubes, building a spicy garlic butter base, then letting the cream and pasta soak it all in. Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a hungry group, this one-pot wonder keeps things easy, bold, and deeply satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

• One-pan ease: No juggling multiple pots and pans—everything comes together in a single skillet.
• Luxurious flavors: The garlic butter, cream, chili flakes, and seared beef deliver an indulgent flavor punch.
• Quick prep, gourmet results: It tastes like something from a steakhouse, but it’s ready in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect texture: Juicy steak, creamy pasta, and just the right heat level make for a truly balanced dish.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats like a dream and may taste even better the next day.
• Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or swap in a different pasta shape—this dish adapts easily.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into the deliciousness of this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta, a little setup goes a long way. This dish is simple, but having the right tools ensures a smooth cooking experience and brings out the best texture and flavor in every component.

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid: This is your main vessel for cooking everything. It needs to be wide enough for even searing and deep enough to hold the pasta, steak, and sauce without spilling over.
• Sharp chef’s knife: Precision matters when cutting steak into bite-sized, evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: These tools help with stirring without scratching your non-stick or stainless surface.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping and moving the steak chunks while searing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For ensuring perfect ratios in your sauce—too much cream or too little spice could throw off the balance.
• Colander (optional): Only needed if you decide to boil the pasta separately, though the one-pot method eliminates this step.

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Preparation Tips

• Bring the steak to room temperature: About 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps it sear evenly and stay tender.
• Pat the steak dry: Moisture prevents browning. Blot with paper towels for the perfect sear.
• Prep your garlic last-minute: Fresh minced garlic releases its oils fast—chop it just before using to keep the flavor intense.
• Pre-measure your ingredients: Especially the cream, broth, and spices. This keeps things moving smoothly when the pan is hot and ready.
• Choose the right pasta: Short, sauce-catching shapes like rotini or penne are ideal. Avoid thin pastas like angel hair—they overcook easily in a one-pot setup.
• Simmer gently once pasta is added: This prevents scorching the sauce while ensuring the pasta cooks through and absorbs flavor.

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Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful, hearty, and ultra-creamy steak pasta dish:

For the Steak:

• 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or penne/fusilli)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Additional Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrition
• ½ tsp onion powder or garlic powder if you want an extra flavor boost

These ingredients come together to create a velvety, spicy, and indulgent one-pot meal that feels fancy but cooks fast.

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Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned but still juicy inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn.

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Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

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Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir the uncooked rotini directly into the sauce. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and the sauce creamy.

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Step 5: Return the Steak

Once the pasta is cooked, add the seared steak (and any juices) back to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes just to warm the steak through without overcooking it.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot straight from the pan for maximum flavor and creaminess.

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Notes

• Choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin or ribeye for best texture and flavor. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate beforehand.
• Heavy cream gives the sauce richness and body, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version—just reduce the broth slightly.
• Rotini is ideal for grabbing onto the creamy sauce, but other short pastas like fusilli, penne, or even shells work just as well.
• Want extra spice? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the garlic butter for more kick.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness—just a teaspoon will brighten everything.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sear: If you don’t brown the steak first, you’ll miss out on that deep umami flavor that only comes from a proper crust.
• Overcooking the steak: The meat will finish cooking when added back in. Avoid making it tough by cooking it too long in the first sear.
• Adding the pasta too early or too late: Timing matters—add it once the sauce is slightly thickened so it absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.
• Not stirring the pasta occasionally: Especially in a one-pot dish, pasta tends to stick to the bottom if neglected.
• Overheating the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Watch your heat and only sauté for a minute.
• Using low-fat cream: It may split or curdle when heated. Full-fat cream ensures a smooth, stable sauce.
• Neglecting seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding pasta and again before serving—adjust salt, spice, or Parmesan as needed.
• Crowding the pan during searing: Doing this prevents a good crust on the steak. Cook in batches if necessary.

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What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta?

This hearty, flavor-packed pasta doesn’t need much to feel complete, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the entire experience. Whether you want contrast, freshness, or more indulgence, here are some tasty additions to round out your meal:

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheese Toast

Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left in the bowl.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery, lemon-dressed salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans

These bright green vegetables add color and a crisp bite that pairs beautifully with the soft pasta.

4. Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a skewer bring a burst of freshness and acidity.

5. Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms go hand-in-hand with garlic butter and steak flavors—add a side or mix them into the pasta.

6. Crispy Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine with creamy Caesar dressing complements the pasta’s creamy texture without competing.

7. Grilled Zucchini Slices

Lightly charred and simply seasoned, they make a subtle and healthy pairing.

8. Red Wine or Sparkling Water with Lemon

A glass of cabernet or a citrusy sparkling water will cleanse your palate and balance the richness of the meal.

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Storage Instructions

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta stores well, making it a great next-day meal. Follow these tips to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerate: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy sauce may separate or become grainy after thawing. However, if you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 675
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Nutrition may vary slightly based on steak cut, exact cream brand, and pasta used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Sirloin and ribeye are best for tenderness and flavor, but NY strip or filet mignon also work well. If using flank or skirt steak, marinate it first to help with tenderness.

2. Can I substitute milk or half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Avoid regular milk unless you’re okay with a less creamy texture and risk of curdling.

3. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick from red pepper flakes, but it’s manageable. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance—or leave it out entirely.

4. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Technically yes, but it won’t absorb the flavor like pasta cooked directly in the sauce. If using pre-cooked pasta, reduce the broth by half and simmer for just a few minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great add-ins that pair beautifully with the garlic butter cream sauce.

6. Will the pasta overcook if I leave it on too long?

Yes. Stir occasionally and start checking the pasta a few minutes before the suggested cook time to keep it perfectly al dente.

7. How do I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter, coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pan is large enough. You may need to slightly increase cooking time for the pasta and stir more often to avoid sticking.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is the kind of dish that hits every craving: bold, rich, comforting, and easy to make. From tender steak bites to the velvety sauce wrapped around every swirl of pasta, it’s built to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether for a quick weeknight indulgence or a cozy date night meal, this one-pot beauty brings restaurant-level flavor right to your table. Save this one—it’s a keeper.

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