One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

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This dish came about on a weeknight when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had a steak in the fridge, a box of pasta, and a hunch that a little garlic butter could make everything better. What I ended up with was a rich, spicy, cheesy pasta loaded with tender steak bites—and all made in one skillet. It quickly became a go-to when I need comfort food with a kick.

What I love most is how the steak soaks up the flavors of the spicy garlic butter, and the cheesy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. Every bite is savory, bold, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing a date, this pasta has that wow-factor, without the mess or stress.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

• Everything in One Pan: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Big Flavor, Quick Prep: You get the punch of steakhouse flavor in under 30 minutes.
• Cheesy and Spicy: The perfect combo for comfort food lovers.
• Customizable Heat Level: Dial the spice up or down to your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta?

For this recipe, I love using penne pasta because its tube shape catches the creamy, cheesy, spicy sauce so well, and it holds up nicely next to the hearty steak pieces. That said, you’re not locked into penne. You can use rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine if you prefer something flatter. Just make sure it’s a pasta that can hold sauce and doesn’t overcook easily.

Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair—those tend to turn mushy in a one-skillet setup like this, especially with a rich butter and cheese sauce.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you don’t have every ingredient. This dish is super flexible:

• Steak: Swap with chicken breast or thighs, or even mushrooms for a meatless option.
• Pasta: Any sturdy pasta will work—try fusilli or farfalle.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but you can mix in Parmesan, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for more heat.
• Butter: Use ghee or olive oil if needed.
• Garlic: Garlic powder will do in a pinch, but fresh really brings it to life.
• Spice: Crushed red pepper is classic, but cayenne or hot sauce are great alternatives.
• Cream: You can swap for half-and-half, milk, or even a non-dairy option like oat or cashew milk—though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? Try dried Italian seasoning or fresh basil.

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Ingredients for One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish flavorful, rich, and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Steak (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  The star of the dish—tender, juicy steak gives the pasta a bold, savory bite.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  Garlic infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor that defines the entire dish.
• Unsalted Butter
  Rich and creamy, it forms the flavorful base for the sauce. Using unsalted gives you better control over seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes
  These bring the heat and balance the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Penne Pasta (or other hearty pasta)
  A firm, sauce-hugging pasta that cooks up beautifully in the skillet and pairs perfectly with the steak.
• Beef Broth or Water
  Used to cook the pasta and enhance the meaty flavors in one skillet.
• Heavy Cream
  This adds the luscious, creamy texture that makes the sauce so comforting.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  Melts into the sauce, adding that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  Brings a nutty, salty depth that balances the richness of the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  For seasoning both the steak and sauce, bringing out every ingredient’s flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (optional)
  Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.

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Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and sizzling, add your bite-sized steak pieces in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Spicy Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in red pepper flakes. Let the butter become infused with that spicy, garlicky goodness—this is where the flavor builds.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the uncooked pasta and enough beef broth (or water) to just cover it. Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 10–12 minutes.

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Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. The sauce should coat the pasta luxuriously without being too thick.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked steak to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Let it all warm through for another minute or two, so the flavors meld and the steak is nice and juicy.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—more pepper? More cheese? Go for it. Top with fresh parsley if desired and serve straight from the skillet while it’s hot and melty.

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How Long to Cook One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

This recipe is a weeknight dream because it comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a breakdown:

• Searing the Steak: 4–6 minutes total
• Making Garlic Butter Sauce: 2–3 minutes
• Cooking the Pasta in Broth: 10–12 minutes
• Finishing with Cream & Cheese: 3–4 minutes
• Tossing Everything Together: 1–2 minutes

Total Time: About 20–25 minutes, start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sear quickly on high heat. It’ll finish gently when added back in at the end.
• Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor difference is massive—worth the tiny bit of extra effort.
• Stir the Pasta Often: Since it’s cooking in a shallow layer of liquid, keep it moving to prevent sticking.
• Add Cheese Off Heat: Remove the skillet from direct heat before adding cheese to avoid clumping or burning.
• Control the Spice: Start with a little red pepper and build up if you like it hot—too much at once can overpower.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust salt, pepper, or cheese to your liking before plating.
• Fresh Finish: A sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the richness.
• Use a Non-Stick or Cast-Iron Skillet: Makes cleanup easier and prevents burning or sticking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is beginner-friendly, a few missteps can throw off the flavor or texture. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcrowding the Pan with Steak: This causes the meat to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Letting Garlic Burn: Garlic cooks fast—once it turns golden, move on or remove from heat. Burnt garlic turns bitter fast.
• Adding Cheese While Boiling: Heat should be low when you mix in cheese, or it may separate and clump.
• Using Too Much Liquid: Add just enough broth to cook the pasta. Excess liquid will water down the sauce.
• Forgetting to Stir the Pasta: Pasta can stick and cook unevenly if left unattended.
• Using the Wrong Cut of Steak: Tough cuts like flank or round need marinating or longer cooking. Go for something tender like sirloin or ribeye.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Let the steak rest a bit before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Underseasoning: Remember, cheese is salty, but the pasta and steak need their own seasoning too.

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What to Serve With One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta?

Side Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A crisp, refreshing salad helps balance the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

A bit of green, with some char, cuts through the creaminess.

A Glass of Red Wine (Cabernet or Syrah)

If you’re going full date-night, this pairs beautifully with the savory steak and cheese.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on skewers make a fun, no-fuss starter.

Creamy Caesar Salad

A richer side that still brings a nice, contrasting texture.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Light, zesty, and easy to make while your pasta simmers.

A Cold Beer (IPA or Amber Ale)

If wine’s not your thing, a bold beer cuts through the butter and spice perfectly.

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Storage Instructions

One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta stores surprisingly well—if you have any left, that is!

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Creamy, cheesy sauces tend to split and become grainy once frozen and thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — Based on 4 Servings)

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown. This may vary depending on specific ingredients used:

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 25% DV

This dish is indulgent and protein-rich, perfect for a satisfying dinner after a long day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin is a great all-around option—tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Ribeye is more indulgent, while NY strip works if you want leaner meat with good texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and garlic butter ahead of time, but it’s best assembled fresh. The pasta absorbs sauce quickly, so you might lose that creamy finish if made too early.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s got a moderate kick thanks to red pepper flakes. You can control the heat easily—just add more or less depending on your taste.

Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover steak?

Absolutely! Just slice it thin and add it in the final step to warm through. Avoid overcooking it again or it’ll get tough.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, whole milk, or a splash of cream cheese with milk can substitute. Non-dairy options like oat or cashew milk work too, though the sauce may be a bit less rich.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

Can I add veggies to the skillet?

Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini would blend in well and boost the nutrition.

How do I make this more cheesy?

Add extra mozzarella or stir in some sharp cheddar. A little cream cheese can also create an ultra-luxurious texture.

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Conclusion

One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a treat but is totally doable on a busy night. It brings together rich garlic butter, tender steak, melty cheese, and just the right amount of heat—all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself with a glass of wine, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing recipe that never fails to impress. And the best part? Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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