Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner with a Spicy Twist

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who finds inspiration for recipes wherever I go. One of my favorite things about exploring different parts of the world is discovering how people mix comfort food with bold flavors. This creamy garlic butter steak and pasta recipe was born after a trip where I craved something indulgent, flavorful, and simple to make in one pot. It’s a dish that perfectly balances richness with spice, giving you restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

Imagine juicy, seared steak bites coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling with perfectly cooked pasta in a silky cream base. The addition of chili flakes and subtle spice transforms it into a cozy meal with a little kick. This dish is hearty enough for a family dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Today, I’ll walk you through every step of the process so you can recreate this masterpiece at home.

Overview of Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta

This recipe combines pan-seared steak tips, pasta, garlic butter, cream, and spices into one pot, simplifying the process while intensifying the flavors. It’s spicy, creamy, and indulgent, but also practical because cleanup is a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate
• Servings: 4 generous portions

This is one of those recipes where each bite feels indulgent, yet it doesn’t require complicated cooking skills. If you can sear steak, cook pasta, and whisk a sauce, you’re already halfway there.

Ingredients of Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best)
• 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided into two parts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice level)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional extras: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This dish comes together in layers. Each step adds depth of flavor—starting with the searing of the steak, then building a creamy, garlicky base for the pasta, and finally bringing everything together in a single pot.

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some starchy water.
2. Sear the steak cubes in garlic butter for a golden crust.
3. Build the sauce with garlic, onion, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Toss the pasta and steak back into the pot for a creamy, spicy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions).
• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

• Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add steak cubes in a single layer, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
• Sauté minced garlic and onion until fragrant and golden (about 2 minutes).
• Stir in Italian seasoning and chili flakes for spice.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

• Lower heat and pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Stir to combine.
• Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.
• Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes if you like it spicier.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Steak

• Add the drained pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat.
• Stir in seared steak cubes along with any juices they released.
• If needed, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping steak, garlic, onion)
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for one serving (out of four):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Sugars: 3 g

This dish is indulgent but balanced with a good amount of protein from steak, healthy fats from butter and olive oil, and energy-packed carbs from pasta.

Serving of Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can make it even more special with:

• Side salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
• Garlic bread: Because more garlic is never too much.
• Red wine pairing: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the steak’s richness.

For family dinners, serve it straight from the pot for a cozy, rustic feel. For entertaining, plate each serving with extra parsley garnish for a restaurant-style presentation.

Pro Tips & Variations

Pro Tips

• Dry your steak well before searing to get a golden crust instead of steaming.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Balance spice with cream. If it feels too spicy, stir in more cream or Parmesan.

Variations

• Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Spinach Boost: Stir in fresh spinach leaves at the end for extra nutrients.
• Seafood Twist: Swap steak for shrimp or scallops for a lighter take.
• Cheese Upgrade: Mix in Pecorino Romano or Gouda for a more complex cheese profile.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic butter steak and pasta recipe is more than just dinner—it’s an experience of comfort and spice blended into one pot. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something indulgent and memorable.

When I first made this dish, I was surprised by how quickly it came together, yet how luxurious it tasted. That’s why it has become a favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers warmth, richness, and satisfaction in every bite.

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines elegance with simplicity, this one is for you. From the buttery garlic aroma that fills your kitchen to the creamy, spicy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, this dish has the power to turn any evening into a special occasion.