If you are craving something truly comforting yet bursting with bold flavor, this Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender seared sirloin steak nestled in a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly balances a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes and smoky paprika. The pasta soaks up every last bit of buttery, garlicky goodness—all made effortlessly in one pot for minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, this recipe combines richness, spice, and ease into one unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that define this dish. From the hearty steak to the creamy dairy and vibrant seasonings, every element contributes to making this one-pot wonder pop with personality and satisfaction.
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak: This serves as the main protein, adding richness and meaty depth; you can swap it for ribeye or chicken to change the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps create a delicious crust on the steak; adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic complexity that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Infuses a subtle, smoky flavor that ties in beautifully with the spicy kick; regular paprika can be used if you prefer milder notes.
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Creates the luxurious base for your sauce and cooks the garlic in silky richness.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic intensity and savory depth to every bite.
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Provides the perfect amount of spiciness; feel free to adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth: The cooking liquid for the pasta, it adds a savory backbone without overwhelming the other flavors; chicken broth can lighten things up.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta: Chosen for its delightful shape that holds onto sauces so well; penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its incredibly smooth, luscious texture; cream cheese can serve as a lighter option to achieve richness.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty, savory dimension that melts perfectly into the sauce for that gourmet finish.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavor profile without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Used as a fresh garnish that adds brightness and color just before serving.
How to Make Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
First things first, pat your sirloin steak dry using paper towels—that helps to get a better sear. Then generously season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to build a flavorful crust that will elevate every bite. This seasoning combo is the foundation of the dish’s bold character.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it bubbles. Add your seasoned steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust forms. This quick sear locks in juices and creates layers of flavor that you’ll love.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spice
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for about 30 to 60 seconds. The aroma at this point is pure magic—it guides you into the heart of this Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those golden-brown bits stuck at the bottom; that’s where much of the flavor lives! Bring the mixture to a rolling boil before adding the rotini pasta. Stir well, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 9 to 11 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and has absorbed much of the savory broth.
Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and smooth. This is where your Incendiary indulgence really starts to take shape.
Step 6: Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the seared steak back to the pot along with any juices it released. Give everything a good toss so the steak pieces mingle with the creamy, spicy sauce and pasta, coating each bite in mouthwatering flavor. This is the final step where the dish truly comes together as one harmonious feast.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe piping hot in warm bowls. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top for a pop of vibrant green and a fresh burst that balances the richness. Now, dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its bright, herbaceous note, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few chili flakes if you want to amp the heat. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a silky finish and deepen the aroma on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty it can stand on its own, but if you want some textural contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach add color and a fresh counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For impressing guests, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with steak slices artfully fanned on top. Sprinkle with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of elegance. You could even place the pasta on a wooden serving board with small bowls of garnishes on the side for a rustic, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so a gentle stir and a splash of broth or cream before reheating will bring it back to its creamy glory.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky because dairy sometimes separates, but this recipe freezes okay if you pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. Use it within 1 to 2 months for best taste. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat slowly over low heat in a pan, adding a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving for long stretches, as it can cause the cream and cheese to separate. Stir frequently to keep the pasta evenly coated and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye or strip steak works wonderfully too, and even chicken can be substituted if you want a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes give a moderate heat that complements the creamy sauce; if you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount or omit completely.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a blend of cream cheese and milk for a lighter but still rich sauce. Keep in mind the texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Definitely! The one-pot method means minimal prep and cleanup, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something special.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the steak is central to the flavor, you can substitute mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives for a hearty vegetarian take. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion. I can’t recommend it enough for those nights when you want to treat yourself or impress guests without the fuss. Give it a try—you’re going to love how the creamy, spicy, buttery flavors come together in one delicious pot.
Print
Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful one-pot meal combining seared sirloin steak with creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This indulgent dish features a smoky, spicy twist enhanced by smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Pat the sirloin steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Steak: In a Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until a rich, golden-brown crust forms.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, scraping browned bits from the pot with a wooden spoon. Bring to a rolling boil, add rotini pasta, stir well, reduce heat, and simmer for 9–11 minutes until pasta is cooked.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the seared steak with its juices to the pot, tossing everything together to coat well in the sauce.
- Serve: Heat through, then dish out into warm bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ribeye or chicken instead of sirloin steak for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Chicken broth can replace beef broth for a lighter sauce flavor.
- Swap rotini with penne or rigatoni pasta for a similar sauce-holding shape.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with cream cheese.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best to create a smooth, nutty finish.
