One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce

Are you craving a restaurant-quality steak dinner that’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights? The One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce combines tender, juicy steak with a luscious, creamy sauce and al dente pasta—all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. This recipe is a game-changer for steak lovers who want to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this post, we’ll dive into this delicious dish step-by-step, share expert tips, and reveal how to customize it for your taste buds or dietary preferences.

Ingredients List

To create your perfect One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized strips
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti recommended)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Suggested Substitutions and Dietary Swaps:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Use gluten-free pasta to keep it gluten-free.
• Swap steak with chicken breast or mushrooms for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor profile or vegetarian diet.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe shines with its quick turnaround—comparable to cooking a simple pasta dish, but with steak’s rich flavor fully infused into every bite. The one-pot technique not only speeds up cooking but melds the flavors, making this a deeply satisfying meal in under half an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips generously with salt and pepper. Add steak pieces and sear until browned but still medium-rare, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside to rest (this keeps the meat juicy).

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1 minute until aromatic. This step unlocks complex garlic flavor enhanced by the spicy kick.

Step 3: Deglaze and Create the Sauce

Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits (the real flavor gems). Bring to a simmer, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a silky cream sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (usually 10-12 minutes depending on pasta shape). The pasta absorbs the spicy, buttery sauce for an unbeatable mouthfeel.

Step 5: Reintroduce the Steak

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the steak strips to rewarm them gently without overcooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. Serve immediately and savor every creamy, garlicky, steak-infused bite.

Chef’s tip: For texture variety, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the onions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 18g)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg (can be reduced by lowering added salt or using low-sodium broth)

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to tone down the richness without compromising taste, try these swaps:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for fewer calories.
• Swap ribeye for a leaner cut like sirloin or flank steak.
• Incorporate spiralized zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce butter to 1 tbsp and replace some olive oil for a balanced fat profile.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta pairs marvelously with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
• Roasted seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
• Crusty garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce—double the garlic, double the yum!

Try adding fresh lemon zest or a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the steak: Remove steak promptly after searing to keep it tender. Reheating too long in sauce can dry it out.
• Not deglazing the pan: The browned bits in the pan (fond) are packed with flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking the pasta: Stir occasionally and test frequently to avoid mushiness.
• Skipping the seasoning layers: Salt and pepper at each step accentuate flavors and keep the dish from tasting flat.

Storing Tips

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, stirring to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid microwave reheating without added liquid, as pasta tends to dry out and sauce can separate.

For meal prep, keep pasta and steak separate, then combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

The One Pot Garlic Butter Steak Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce is your go-to recipe for a quick, indulgent meal that brings steakhouse flavors right to your home kitchen. Its simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and bold flavors make it a perfect dinner any night of the week. Try the recipe today, share your tweaks in the comments, and don’t forget to sign up for more easy gourmet recipes!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the steak and sauce components a day ahead, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. Alternatively, fully cook and store refrigerated, reheating gently with added cream or broth.

2. What’s the best cut of steak to use?

Ribeye offers richness and marbling, but sirloin or flank steak work well for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for this dish?

Due to the quick cooking of pasta, this recipe is best suited for stovetop cooking. Slow cookers can over-soften the pasta.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Start with 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and increase gradually, or substitute with fresh chopped jalapeño for a milder heat.

5. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, the one-pot approach simplifies the cooking process, making it ideal for novice cooks looking to impress with minimal hassle.