One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

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I absolutely love meals that bring together comfort, flavor, and convenience in a single dish—and this One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is everything I want in a hearty dinner. The tender seared steak bites soak up all the garlicky, spicy, buttery cream sauce while the pasta turns luxuriously coated and rich. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly weeknight—it instantly became a household favorite, and I’ve made it countless times since.

What makes this dish even better? It’s all done in one pot. No juggling multiple pans or scrubbing a sink full of dishes after dinner. Just bold, indulgent flavors with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re trying to impress someone or just feeding yourself something comforting and satisfying, this recipe truly hits the spot.

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

• Big flavor with little effort – garlic butter, chili flakes, and cream make magic happen fast.
• One-pot wonder – minimal cleanup, maximum reward.
• Perfect for weeknights or special nights – fancy enough to serve guests, simple enough for a Monday.
• Customizable heat level – make it as mild or fiery as you like.
• Balanced texture – juicy steak, al dente pasta, and velvety sauce in every bite.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best for One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta?

I’ve tested this with a few different cuts, and honestly, it depends on your mood (and your budget). Sirloin is my go-to—it’s lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly without turning tough. If you’re looking for something more indulgent, ribeye brings in that melt-in-your-mouth richness thanks to its marbling. For a leaner option, flank or strip steak works too—just slice it thin against the grain so it stays tender. Whatever you choose, just don’t overcook it. A quick sear gives the best texture and flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

This dish is super flexible, which makes it ideal when you’re working with what’s in your fridge. Here are some easy swaps that still give you delicious results:

• Pasta: Rotini holds onto the sauce perfectly, but penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine all work well.
• Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich, but half-and-half or even coconut cream (for a dairy-free twist) can be used.
• Spice: Chili flakes are classic, but a spoonful of harissa, chipotle paste, or even a fresh chopped jalapeño adds a unique kick.
• Butter: If you’re out, try ghee or olive oil. You’ll miss a bit of richness, but the garlic still shines.
• Protein: No steak? Try chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for a different spin.

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

• Steak (sirloin or ribeye)
  This is the heart of the dish—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor once seared. Choose a cut that cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Rotini pasta
  The spiral shape traps the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you more flavor in every bite. Any short pasta will do, but rotini really shines here.
• Garlic (freshly minced)
  It infuses the butter and oil with bold, aromatic depth. Don’t skimp—garlic is key to the dish’s personality.
• Butter
  Adds richness and rounds out the heat. When browned slightly, it gives the sauce a deep, nutty base.
• Heavy cream
  The foundation of the luscious sauce. It thickens naturally and holds onto the spice and garlic beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
  Gives a salty, umami punch that finishes the sauce with a creamy bite. Melts right into the cream for that signature silkiness.
• Red pepper flakes
  Adds just the right amount of kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it.
• Beef broth
  Used to cook the pasta and enrich the sauce, it enhances the beefy flavor without overwhelming it.
• Salt and black pepper
  Simple, essential seasoning to balance and enhance everything else.
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
  A fresh, vibrant finish that cuts through the richness and makes the whole dish feel complete.

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Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sear the steak cubes in batches so they brown nicely on all sides. Season with salt and pepper as they cook. Once browned but still a little pink inside, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

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Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown too much or it will turn bitter.

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Step 3: Add the Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the dry rotini pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

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Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. This takes about 10–12 minutes, depending on your pasta. The sauce will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid—add a splash of broth if it gets too thick too fast.

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Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan. Let it melt into the sauce and create a creamy, cheesy finish.

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Step 6: Return the Steak

Add the cooked steak back into the pot along with any juices that collected. Stir everything together so the steak is coated in the creamy, spicy garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.

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Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot, straight from the pot, and savor every garlicky, spicy, buttery bite.

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

This recipe comes together surprisingly fast. Here’s the general breakdown:

• Searing the steak: 5–7 minutes
• Making the garlic butter base: 2–3 minutes
• Cooking the pasta in sauce: 10–12 minutes
• Finishing the dish: 3–5 minutes

Total time: About 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak and pasta type. It’s a great option for a quick dinner without sacrificing flavor.

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

• Sear in batches so the steak browns instead of steaming—crowding the pan will make it soggy.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; pre-minced or powdered won’t give the same bold punch.
• Don’t overcook the steak—take it off the heat while still pink inside, as it will finish cooking once added back in.
• Stir the pasta frequently so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Adjust spice to taste—if you’re not a heat lover, cut back on red pepper flakes, or skip entirely.
• Grate your own Parmesan if possible; pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Let it rest a minute before serving to thicken the sauce even more and meld the flavors beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan with steak: This steams the meat instead of searing it. Always cook in batches for a crisp, flavorful crust.
• Burning the garlic: It cooks fast—watch it closely or your sauce could turn bitter.
• Undercooking or overcooking the pasta: Taste it near the end of simmering. You want it al dente—not mushy, not raw.
• Using low-fat cream or milk: It can curdle or thin out the sauce too much. Stick with heavy cream for the best texture.
• Adding cheese too early: Wait until the pasta is fully cooked to stir it in, or it might clump.
• Not seasoning the dish properly: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and spice level at the end—it’s key to a balanced flavor.
• Forgetting to deglaze: Scraping up the browned bits after searing adds major flavor to the sauce.

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

Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette

Perfect for swiping up every last bit of that creamy, spicy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

A slightly charred veg side adds texture and freshness.

A Glass of Red Wine

Go for something bold like a Malbec or Cabernet—it complements the steak beautifully.

Sautéed Greens

Quick-cooked spinach or kale with garlic adds a healthy, earthy touch.

Cucumber-Tomato Salad

Cool, juicy veggies are a great contrast to the warmth and creaminess of the pasta.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

The brightness of lemon and crisp-tender asparagus make a great pairing.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully for a next-day lunch or dinner.

• Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• Freezer: While you can freeze it, the cream sauce might separate when thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and reheat gently with added cream to bring it back together.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~680
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl

This is an indulgent, satisfying meal—rich in protein and fats, so a little goes a long way. Great for refueling after a busy day or sharing with friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta can I use instead of rotini?

You can swap in penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even fettuccine—just adjust cooking time as needed. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work beautifully.

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Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. You can always add heat later with a dash of hot sauce.

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Is it okay to use pre-cooked steak?

Yes, but it won’t absorb the sauce the same way. If using leftover steak, slice it thin and add it near the end just to warm through.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, olive oil in place of butter, and skip the cheese—or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

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How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer uncovered a few minutes longer, or stir in a small handful of extra grated Parmesan to help it tighten up.

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What should I do if the sauce gets too thick?

Add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it. Stir well to re-emulsify the sauce.

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Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would all complement the dish without overpowering it.

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How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?

For juicy, tender bites, sear just until browned but still slightly pink in the middle—it will finish cooking when added back into the hot pasta.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta is the kind of dish that brings satisfaction in every bite—comforting, bold, and irresistibly saucy. It delivers on flavor without demanding much from your schedule or your kitchen. Whether you’re impressing someone special or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings the heat, the richness, and that feel-good satisfaction we all crave. One pot, countless compliments.

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