One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

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If weeknight dinner goals had a poster child, it would be this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta. This dish is rich, velvety, and packed with big, bold flavors that hit every savory note. Perfectly seared steak bites tossed in a spicy garlic butter sauce with creamy cheese and twirly pasta make this the ultimate comfort food dream meal.

You get the deep umami of tender beef, the richness of a creamy cheese sauce, and the kick of red pepper flakes all in one pot. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and you’ll only have one pan to clean—which makes it even better.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is a perfect match here because it soaks up every bit of the spicy garlic butter sauce in its curls, delivering flavor in every bite. You could also use penne or cavatappi, but I recommend choosing a pasta shape with ridges or curves to trap that creamy sauce.

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

Steak – Use a well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces. It cooks fast and stays juicy.

Rotini Pasta – The swirls hold onto all that rich, creamy sauce and deliver flavor-packed bites.

Butter – This is the base of the garlic butter flavor, so use real, high-quality butter.

Garlic – Minced fresh garlic is essential for the savory, aromatic flavor that builds the heart of the sauce.

Heavy Cream – Adds richness and blends with the cheese for a silky finish.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best! It melts into the cream and thickens the sauce while adding a salty kick.

Red Pepper Flakes – Brings a touch of heat to balance the richness. You can adjust to your spice preference.

Beef Broth – Enhances the steak flavor and helps cook the pasta directly in the same pot.

Salt & Black Pepper – Seasoning the steak and sauce properly makes all the difference.

Parsley (optional) – Adds a fresh herby note and makes it pop visually right before serving.

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

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your steak pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let them get a golden-brown crust before removing and setting aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt—about 1 minute.

Step 3: Make it Spicy and Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Add red pepper flakes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right In

Add the uncooked rotini directly into the sauce. Stir well and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Bring Back the Steak

Return the seared steak and any juices to the pot. Stir to combine and let everything warm through for 2-3 more minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for that final fresh touch.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Spicy Steak & Pasta

Serve hot right out of the skillet for a rustic, comforting dinner. Add a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to round it out.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium kick from the red pepper flakes. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. Chicken or shrimp would both be great substitutes, just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If substituting, consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it up.

What’s the best cheese to use besides Parmesan?

Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for similar salty richness. Mozzarella could be added for a gooey factor.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze particularly well as they may separate when thawed. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta, check out these other hearty and comforting favorites:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a cheesy twist with a rich tomato-garlic base.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you want chicken and citrus zing.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for that nostalgic, ultra-creamy vibe.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving an Alfredo-inspired dish.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you want cheese, crunch, and comfort.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Did you add mushrooms or swap the pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, faster, and bolder.

Craving more quick dinner ideas? Follow along on Pinterest – Life with Nina for daily inspiration.

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