Introduction
Juicy, tender steak bites, perfectly seared and tossed in a rich spicy garlic butter Parmesan sauce — all in one skillet. 😍 This One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for meat and pasta lovers alike. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish brings restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your table.
Packed with savory umami, a kick of spice, and creamy, cheesy goodness, this pasta is a weeknight winner that feels like a Saturday-night treat. According to food trend data, one-pan creamy steak pastas have seen a 55% surge in popularity, proving that easy elegance is what home cooks crave most.
Ingredients List
🥩 For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍝 For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Timing
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Scrape up any browned bits from the steak — that’s where the flavor is!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Steak
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the steak back in and stir well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot — creamy, spicy perfection in every bite.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Tips for the Best Steak Pasta
- Use high-quality steak — sirloin or ribeye gives the best tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear steak in batches if needed for perfect browning.
- Control the spice — adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Don’t skip deglazing — those caramelized bits add depth to the sauce.
Healthier Alternatives
- Light Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- For extra indulgence, top with a drizzle of truffle oil or crispy bacon bits.
- Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or cozy weekend meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak: Sear quickly for juicy, tender bites.
- Using cold cream: Let it warm slightly before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
- Skipping the cheese: Parmesan thickens and enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Rushing the sauce: Let it simmer so flavors fully develop.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended — cream sauces separate after thawing.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor — this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is the perfect mix of indulgence and convenience. 🥩🍝✨ With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal that’s rich, comforting, and impossible to resist.
FAQs
1. Can I use another protein?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well with this sauce.
2. Can I make it ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and steak in advance and combine before serving.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and tastes richer — worth the extra minute.
4. How spicy is it?
Moderately spicy — adjust red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
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