There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a handful of quality ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal without spending half your evening at the stove or washing up dozens of dishes. One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is exactly that kind of comfort without compromise. You get tender strips of sirloin steak seared to perfection, floating in a luxurious, silky sauce infused with roasted garlic and a kick of red pepper flakes—and it all comes together in a single pan. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight dinner for the family or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this dish delivers on flavor, flair, and simplicity.
This recipe shines in its balance: the rich creaminess of the sauce is perfectly cut by bright, fresh spinach leaves and finished with vibrant parsley, giving it a touch of freshness that keeps every bite lively. In just about 15 minutes of prep and a 25-minute cook time, you’ll have an intermediate-level dinner ready to grace your table. With roughly 650 calories per serving, it’s satisfying enough for lunch or dinner, blending protein, veggies, and pasta in a single skillet. Dive in and you’ll find that this one-pot meal isn’t just easy—it’s downright addictive, leaving little to no cleanup behind. Get ready to savor every creamy, spicy, garlic-laced forkful.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Every standout recipe begins with quality components that play unique roles. In this one-pot wonder, each ingredient brings texture, depth, or balance, melding into a comforting dinner that feels both homey and gourmet.
- Olive oil
Provides the initial cooking medium for searing the steak, adding a subtle fruity note and helping the beef develop a beautiful, caramelized crust.
- Sirloin steak
The star protein, cut into tender strips that cook evenly and absorb the savory flavors of garlic butter. Its robust beefy taste stands up beautifully against the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the steak and the sauce, ensuring every component shines without overpowering the delicate notes of garlic and cream.
- Unsalted butter
Melts into the pan to create a rich foundation for the sauce. It also helps sauté the garlic gently, bringing out its sweet, mellow character.
- Garlic
Minced cloves infuse the butter with pungent, aromatic flavor. When sautéed briefly, garlic releases a gentle heat and honeyed sweetness that define the sauce’s character.
- Red pepper flakes
Deliver that lively spicy kick, adding layers of warmth that contrast the sauce’s creaminess. You can dial the heat up or down to suit your taste.
- Heavy cream
The luxurious body of the sauce. Its high fat content gives the pasta its signature velvety texture and keeps every strand of penne lush and coated.
- Beef broth
Adds a savory backbone and deepens the sauce’s flavor profile. The stock’s umami notes complement the steak, enriching the overall taste.
- Penne pasta
The perfect vessel for catching the creamy sauce in each tube. Its ridges invite pockets of sauce to cling, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly saucy.
- Parmesan cheese
Grated into the pot to thicken and enrich the sauce with a sharp, nutty finish. It melds seamlessly with the cream for a delightfully gooey consistency.
- Spinach leaves
Stirred in at the end to wilt gently, adding a fresh, verdant note and a nutritional boost. The greens also lighten the rich sauce.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top just before serving, this herb injects a bright, grassy finish and a pop of color for the final flourish.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Bringing this dish to life is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. You’ll start by searing the steak to lock in juices, then build a garlic-infused butter sauce that turns luxuriously creamy with heavy cream and Parmesan. Finally, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it thickens as it absorbs all those savory flavors. Follow these steps for a fuss-free, restaurant-style meal at home:
1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the steak until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes total. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside to rest.
2. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the penne pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the pasta to cook for about 10–12 minutes or until al dente, so it still has a slight bite but is fully cooked.
5. Once the pasta is tender, add the Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously until it has completely melted into the sauce, which will now thicken and become ultra-creamy.
6. Return the seared steak strips to the pot along with the spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach has wilted and the steak is heated through, about another 1–2 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Once your one-pot masterpiece is ready, thoughtful plating and complementary sides can elevate it from delicious to unforgettable. This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments and presentation will make it shine at any table, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. Embrace contrasts—a crisp element to balance the creaminess, something bright to cut through the spice, and simple garnishes that celebrate the dish’s bold flavors.
- Crusty Garlic Bread
Serve slices of warm, golden-brown garlic bread brushed with butter and herbs. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior are ideal for dipping into the leftover creamy sauce.
- Light Arugula Salad
Toss peppery arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. The citrusy brightness and crisp greens offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta.
- Full-Bodied Red Wine
Pair with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. Their tannins and dark fruit notes enhance the beefy flavor of the steak while standing up to the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Extra Chili Flakes & Lemon Zest
For those who love a flavor kick, provide additional red pepper flakes and a bowl of fresh lemon zest. A quick sprinkle adds brightness and an extra layer of heat.
HOW TO STORE ONE-POT CREAMY SPICY GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & PASTA
Leftovers of this hearty steak pasta can be just as irresistible as when freshly made—if stored properly. Cream-based dishes need a bit of care to maintain their creamy texture and avoid separation. With the right methods, you’ll preserve all those robust flavors and simple weeknight convenience for days to come.
- Refrigerate Promptly
Allow the pasta to cool for no more than 20 minutes before transferring it to the fridge. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the sauce from separating.
- Use Airtight Containers
Store individual portions in airtight containers to lock in moisture and flavor. This also stops the spinach and steak from drying out and keeps the sauce silky.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
If you want to save it beyond three days, place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat Gently
Warm individual servings over low heat on the stovetop or in short intervals in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
CONCLUSION
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta brings together everything we love: a one-pot meal that’s quick yet impressive, combining tender sirloin, robust garlic, and a luxuriously creamy sauce with a lively kick of spice. This intermediate-level recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it perfect for an easy dinner or a special lunch. We’ve walked through each step, from searing steak strips and building that garlicky butter base to simmering penne right in the sauce and folding in fresh spinach for color and nutrition. With simple ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, you’ll achieve a balanced profile of richness, heat, and freshness. Don’t forget the final flourish of parsley—the small touches make a big difference in presentation and flavor.
Feel free to print out this article or save it to your favorite digital recipe box so you can revisit it whenever you need a satisfying weeknight solution or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Below, you’ll find an FAQ to help troubleshoot any questions you might have as you cook. If you try this recipe or have any feedback, please share your thoughts—comments, questions, or personal twists are always welcome. Your experiences help build a vibrant cooking community where we learn and grow together, one delicious forkful at a time.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Description
Experience a delightful dance of tender sirloin, robust garlic, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne. This dish brings an exciting heat that pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and garnished parsley.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear the steak until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally and let the pasta cook in the creamy sauce for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente.
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Once the pasta is cooked, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
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Return the seared steak to the pot along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the level of spice by altering the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty garlic bread.
