Save to Pinterest This creamy spicy garlic butter steak pasta packs major flavor and comes together in one pot so cleanup is a breeze. Savory steak, velvety garlic sauce, and tender pasta make it a main dish that feels like a treat but is totally doable on a weeknight.
I reach for this recipe on busy days when I want something comforting and a little special without piling up dishes. Every time I make this for friends they go back for seconds and can't believe how quickly it comes together on the stove. This dish started as a Sunday dinner experiment and quickly became our answer for pasta cravings.
Ingredients
- Steak: Flank or sirloin sliced thin helps the meat stay tender and soak up flavor choose fresh marbled cuts for best results
- Butter: Real butter adds richness and creates that luscious sauce
- Garlic: Fresh cloves bring bold aromatic flavor mince them finely for even sautéing
- Red pepper flakes: Bring just enough heat without overwhelming adjust to your preference for spice
- Heavy cream or half and half: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth full fat versions create a silkier mouthfeel
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoothly and adds depth pick a wedge and grate it at home
- Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine holds the sauce well look for bronze die cut pasta for better texture
- Beef or chicken broth: Infuses the pasta as it cooks prevent blandness by picking flavorful broth
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking and helps the steak brown choose extra virgin for best taste
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning freshly cracked black pepper gives a peppery bite
Instructions
- Prep and Sear the Steak:
- Pat the steak slices dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Once the oil shimmers add the steak in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes to brown both sides. Remove the steak onto a plate and let it rest to retain its juices.
- Build Flavor with Aromatics:
- With the pot still hot reduce heat to medium and add butter. When it melts toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute stirring constantly to keep the garlic from burning. This is where deep flavors develop so keep the garlic moving until fragrant and pale golden.
- Simmer the Pasta:
- Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift the browned bits. Add uncooked pasta pressing it into the liquid so everything is submerged. Raise heat to bring to a gentle simmer then lower it and let pasta cook uncovered stirring often so the strands do not stick. When the noodles are just shy of al dente pour in the cream and stir until the sauce begins to look glossy.
- Finish with Steak and Cheese:
- Return the rested steak and any accumulated juices to the pot. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and use tongs to toss the pasta gently. Let the pasta cook another minute or two so the cheese melts and sauce thickens. Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra cheese sprinkled over top if desired.
Save to Pinterest Sometimes when I make this my family huddles around the pot with spoons before we even get to the table. They can barely wait.
Storage Tips
For leftovers let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce. If you want to freeze it let the dish cool fully first as creamy sauces freeze better once thickened. Portion into freezer safe bags or containers and lay flat in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. The flavors actually get deeper after a day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a dairy free version use coconut milk instead of cream and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Swap the steak for boneless skinless chicken thighs or large shrimp if you want a seafood variation. Gluten free fettuccine or linguine works beautifully as long as you simmer gently and monitor doneness. Spinach or sautéed mushrooms are excellent stirred in at the end for more veggie content.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the creamy steak pasta into bowls and top with extra cracked pepper and a handful of parsley or basil. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or add garlic bread for mopping up all the sauce. If you like it really spicy top with extra chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil just before serving.
Cultural Roots of Creamy Pasta Dishes
Creamy steak pasta recipes are a fun twist on Italian pasta techniques mixed with American steakhouse flair. Using one pot is a modern method that amps up flavor and saves time—ideal for busy weeknights. Creamy sauces made with Parmesan and garlic are beloved in many fusion cuisines so feel free to make this dish your own.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer stir in arugula or fresh cherry tomatoes just before serving for brightness. In winter finish with extra black pepper and a squeeze of lemon for richness. Peas or asparagus also blend well in the spring months for a green pop.
Success Stories
My cousin texted me after making this pasta for their in laws and said not only did everyone go for seconds but the leftovers disappeared before lunch. Several friends on social media tell me this is the only steak pasta their picky eaters actually love.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make the full recipe and cool it to room temperature. Portion into zip top freezer bags or containers and freeze flat. When ready to eat thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slowly on the stove with a little splash of broth and a fresh sprinkle of cheese to revive that creamy texture.
Save to Pinterest This pasta is a rewarding weeknight dinner that is sure to earn a spot in your recipe rotation. Enjoy all the flavor and comfort with none of the fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or even strip steak work well. Choose a tender cut and slice thin for best results.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness?
Simply change the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For mild flavor, use less or omit entirely.
- → What pasta shapes are best?
Linguine or fettuccine are ideal, but penne or spaghetti can also be used based on preference or availability.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk for cream and use a plant-based butter and cheese alternative.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions; stir them in with the pasta for extra nutrition.
- → Is this meal suitable for meal prep?
Yes, leftovers reheat well. Store in the refrigerator and add a splash of broth or cream when reheating for best texture.