Name: One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 450g sirloin steak, cubed; 250g rotini pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups beef broth; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

I love a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a pile of dishes to get there. That’s exactly what this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta delivers. It brings together tender, juicy bites of steak, perfectly coated rotini pasta, and a bold, creamy sauce with just the right hint of spice and garlic. The flavors come together so beautifully that it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant—but made easily in your kitchen.

The real joy of this recipe is in how satisfying it is without overcomplicating things. It’s rich and comforting, yet it’s made in a single pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve made this for weeknight dinners, weekend cravings, and even date nights at home—and every time, it disappears fast. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This recipe is the best kind of comfort food—creamy, garlicky, slightly spicy, and packed with protein. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, and you only need one pot from start to finish. The steak is seared to perfection, the pasta is tender and coated in sauce, and everything absorbs that garlic butter flavor. It’s a complete meal all on its own and feels like a reward at the end of the day.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use?

For this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta, I usually go with sirloin steak because it’s tender, flavorful, and not overly expensive. It sears beautifully and holds up well in the sauce without becoming chewy. If you want something even more luxurious, ribeye or New York strip works wonderfully. On the other hand, if you’re trying to keep it budget-friendly, flank steak or even stew beef can still give you great results—just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to toughen up faster.

Options for Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to customize this dish depending on what you have or what flavors you enjoy:

Pasta: Rotini holds the sauce perfectly, but penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine can step in easily.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but half-and-half or even a creamy oat milk (for a dairy-light version) can work.
Spice Level: I use red pepper flakes for heat, but you can tone it down or swap it for a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
Butter: Garlic butter is key, but you can use olive oil or ghee for a different richness.
Beef Alternatives: Chicken, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms make great stand-ins if you’re not in the mood for steak.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Steak (sirloin or preferred cut): The star of the dish—juicy, seared, and packed with flavor. You want something that cooks quickly but stays tender.
Rotini pasta: Its twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
Butter: The base of the garlic butter—rich, golden, and essential for that comforting, deep flavor.
Garlic (freshly minced): Brings sharpness and warmth that defines the sauce. It’s bold, aromatic, and pairs perfectly with steak.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce. It balances the heat and binds everything together.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds nutty depth and thickens the sauce naturally as it melts in.
Red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle, buildable heat that keeps the creamy sauce from being too rich.
Beef broth: Enhances the savory flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the same pot, infusing every bite.
Salt & black pepper: For seasoning the steak and bringing out the flavors throughout.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh finish just before serving.

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. In a large, deep skillet or pot, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan—and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove the steak and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic brown; you just want it softened and aromatic.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Add the red pepper flakes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the uncooked rotini pasta and stir to coat it well in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Cover the pot and let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it starts getting too thick before the pasta is done, you can add a splash of broth or water.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce, creating that creamy, glossy finish.

Step 6: Add Back the Steak

Return the seared steak to the pot and gently stir to combine. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes so the flavors blend together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot.

How Long to Cook the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes:

Searing the steak: 4–5 minutes
Garlic butter base and simmering pasta: 12–15 minutes
Finishing the sauce and combining everything: 5–7 minutes

It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for something special.

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

Use room temperature steak: This helps the meat sear more evenly and stay juicy inside.
Sear in batches if needed: Avoid crowding the pan so your steak gets that beautiful crust.
Stir the pasta occasionally: It keeps it from sticking to the bottom and helps it cook evenly in the sauce.
Don’t skip the Parmesan: It adds umami and richness to the sauce—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as well, so use fresh if possible.
Adjust the heat level to your liking: A little red pepper goes a long way. Start small and add more at the end if needed.
Let the steak rest before adding it back in: This locks in the juices and keeps the beef tender.
Finish with fresh herbs: Parsley or chives brighten up the rich, creamy flavors just before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the steak: Once it’s seared, set it aside and don’t return it to the heat too early. Reheating too long makes it tough.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—keep your heat moderate and stir constantly when it hits the butter.
Adding too much pasta liquid: Only add extra broth if the sauce gets too thick too soon. You want creamy, not soupy.
Using the wrong pasta shape: Avoid long noodles like spaghetti here—short pasta holds the sauce and steak better.
Skipping seasoning steps: Layer flavor by seasoning your steak, the sauce, and the pasta as it cooks.
Not letting the sauce thicken: Be patient. Let the cheese melt and the sauce reduce slightly before serving.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta?

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy pasta.

Warm Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with extra garlic—plus, it’s perfect for wiping up that luscious sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli brings a slightly bitter contrast that plays well with creamy dishes.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil give you a refreshing, bite-sized side.

Sautéed Spinach with Lemon

Lightly cooked spinach adds a bright, tangy note that pairs well with steak.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Another low-effort veggie side that mirrors the cheesy elements of the dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

A bold red—like Cabernet or Syrah—matches the richness of the garlic butter steak perfectly.

Lemon Sorbet (for dessert)

After a rich meal, a small scoop of citrusy sorbet is the ideal palate cleanser.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. Avoid reheating the steak for too long—just enough to warm through—to keep it tender.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and the pasta may turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on your exact ingredients and portions.

Calories: ~720 per serving
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 155mg

This dish is rich and filling, offering a good balance of protein and carbs with indulgent creamy flavor. Pair it with veggies to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta without drying it out?

Add a splash of beef broth, cream, or even a little water before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently and reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth and the steak tender.

Can I use a different protein instead of steak?

Absolutely. Chicken breast or thighs, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version all work beautifully. Just adjust cook times accordingly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much red pepper you use. You can always start small and add more if needed.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If you go with milk, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or extra Parmesan to help with texture.

What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have rotini?

Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells will all hold the sauce well and make each bite hearty.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep and cook the steak ahead, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for the best texture. Reheat everything together gently with a splash of liquid.

How do I make this lower in calories?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, reduce the amount of cheese and butter slightly, and use a lean cut of beef or chicken.

Should I marinate the steak beforehand?

Not necessary for this recipe! A good sear and seasoning with salt and pepper are all you need, since the sauce adds plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is comfort food done right—bold, indulgent, and ridiculously easy to pull off. It hits every craving: garlicky, creamy, a little spicy, and loaded with tender steak. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but fits into your weeknight schedule. Keep this one in your back pocket—you’ll want to make it again and again.