There are few things more comforting than a big, steamy bowl of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta. Imagine juicy, golden-seared steak bites nestled in a silky, garlicky sauce that hugs every twirl of pasta. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but secretly comes together in under 30 minutes—because who has time for fussy meals on a Tuesday night?
I created this recipe for those evenings when you want to treat yourself (and maybe your family) to something indulgent, but you’re also juggling laundry, emails, and that one kid who insists on practicing trumpet at dinner time. With simple pantry ingredients, this one-pot dinner checks all the boxes: creamy, hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully low-effort. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just one skillet to wash.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry crew, this easy pasta recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. So grab your favorite skillet, pour yourself a little something to sip, and let’s make dinner magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s comfort food on fast-forward. You’ll love it because:
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It’s a full meal in one pan (less cleanup, more couch time).
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The steak adds bold, savory depth while the garlic butter sauce ties everything together beautifully.
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It’s customizable—add extra spice for a spicy steak pasta kick or mellow it out with a touch more cream.
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It tastes like something from your favorite bistro, minus the price tag and the waiter hovering over your shoulder.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made simple. Tender, golden-seared steak bites are coated in a silky garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every twist of rotini. It’s rich, hearty, and indulgent—but secretly ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle or the dishes.
Ingredients
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz rotini pasta
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2.5–3 cups water or broth
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Sear the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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Build the garlic base: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make it creamy: Pour in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
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Cook the pasta: Add uncooked rotini and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
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Combine and serve: Return steak (and juices) to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the steak—quick sear for tenderness.
Broth adds more flavor depth than plain water.
Adjust spice level by increasing or skipping the red pepper flakes.
The sauce will thicken as it cools—let it rest briefly before serving.
Add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes enhance flavor and color.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot (Stovetop)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like heat)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz rotini pasta
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2.5–3 cups water or broth
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
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Sear the steak.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside. -
Build that garlicky base.
Melt the remaining butter in the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté until your kitchen smells heavenly (about 1–2 minutes). -
Make it creamy.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety. -
Add the pasta.
Stir in the uncooked rotini and pour in water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes—just until the pasta is al dente. -
Bring it all together.
Add the steak and any juices back to the pan. Give everything a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
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Don’t overcook the steak. It’s easy to get carried away—sear quickly for juicy, tender bites.
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Use broth instead of water if you want an even richer flavor base.
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Control the spice. Love heat? Double up the red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder sauce? Skip them altogether—this creamy garlic pasta is still divine.
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The sauce thickens as it cools. If it feels too thin right off the stove, give it a minute—it’ll thicken beautifully.
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Want veggies? Toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
And remember, if your sauce looks a little too bubbly or your pasta sticks for a second—relax. You’re not auditioning for a cooking show. You’re just making something delicious.
A Personal Note from My Kitchen
I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those nights when I opened the fridge and thought, “Okay, steak… pasta… cream… hmm.” What started as a “let’s see what happens” experiment became a family favorite.
Now, whenever my husband smells garlic sizzling in butter, he knows this spicy steak pasta is on the way—and he’s already setting the table. My kids, who usually pick around anything “fancy,” ask for seconds of this creamy, buttery goodness. That’s when you know a recipe’s a keeper.
For me, this dish captures what cooking is all about—comfort, joy, and that feeling of satisfaction when everyone around the table is just happy.
What to Serve with This Pasta
This dish is rich and satisfying, so you don’t need much else—but a few pairings make it shine:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
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Garlic bread or a warm baguette for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
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A glass of red wine (Cabernet, anyone?) for an elevated touch.
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For dessert, something simple—like chocolate-dipped strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—because balance, right?
If you’re serving guests, sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan and a few parsley leaves on top before bringing it to the table. It looks fancy, but it’s really just cheese and charm.
How to Store and Reheat
If you somehow have leftovers (kudos for your self-control!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
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Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
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Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Avoid overheating—it can make the steak tough and the sauce separate. But with a little care, this one-pot dinner tastes just as good the next day—maybe even better.
FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak work beautifully—just slice thinly for quick cooking.
Can I make it without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as luscious.
What kind of pasta works best?
Rotini holds the sauce well, but penne or fettuccine are great options too.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare your steak and garlic in advance to reduce cooking time.
How spicy is it?
The spice is mild to medium—just enough to give this easy pasta recipe a fun little kick. Add or reduce red pepper flakes to your liking!
Dinner Happiness in One Pan
At the end of a long day, One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is more than a meal—it’s a little moment of joy in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you pause, take a bite, and think, “Oh wow, I made this?”
Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a quick family favorite, this pasta proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. So go ahead—grab that skillet, pour in the cream, and let the aroma of garlic butter wrap around your evening. Because delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
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