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The Ultimate One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, all in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers rich, savory flavors with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 8 oz rotini pasta or any short pasta
  • 2.5 cups water or broth
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized steak pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove steak and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add uncooked rotini pasta and 2.5–3 cups of water or broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return seared steak (and any collected juices) to the skillet. Stir to coat the steak and pasta in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is versatile! Swap steak for chicken or shrimp. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or additional cheeses like cream cheese or mozzarella. Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano. For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing steak and use freshly grated Parmesan. Adjust liquid for sauce consistency as needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.