One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
Imagine diving into a dish that’s as full of flavor as it is effortless to make—welcome to the world of One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta. This creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dinner combines tender steak, aromatic garlic, luscious butter, and sharp Parmesan all simmered together with pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Whether you are craving comfort food or something with a kick, this recipe has you covered in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter, spicy seasonings, and Parmesan creates a rich, layered taste that delights the palate.
- Quick to Prepare: Dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spice amount so everyone at the table can enjoy it comfortably.
- Protein and Comfort in One: Juicy steak meets creamy pasta for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta lies in simple ingredients that bring so much character. Each plays a role—juicy steak for protein and texture, garlic and butter for savory richness, and Parmesan that ties the whole dish together with its nutty bite.
- Steak: Choose your favorite cut like sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin for quick cooking.
- Pasta: Use fettuccine or linguine, which hold the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the essential aromatic kick.
- Butter: Real butter enriches the sauce and helps meld the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a sharp, creamy finish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that fiery note, adjust to taste.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, smooth sauce base.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning balances the flavors precisely.
- Olive Oil: Used to sear the steak for optimal caramelization.
Variations for One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
This versatile recipe welcomes simple swaps and additions to suit your needs or cravings, making it a flexible go-to dish. Whether you want to make it lighter, plant-based, or just try something new, it’s easy to adapt.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace steak with mushrooms or tofu to keep that meaty texture without the meat.
- Less Heat: Omit or reduce crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a varied cheese profile.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
How to Make One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by seasoning the sliced steak generously with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for that spicy note. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak strips until browned on each side but still tender inside, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt, stirring constantly to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth and Cream
Add beef broth and heavy cream to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid, then cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta absorbs most of the liquid and is tender (usually around 10-12 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Steak and Cheese
Return the steak strips to the skillet and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips for Making One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
- Use Room Temperature Steak: Letting the steak come to room temp before cooking ensures even searing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches if needed to get a nice brown crust.
- Fresh Garlic Works Wonders: Avoid pre-minced garlic for a fresher taste and better aroma.
- Keep Pasta Submerged: Stirring ensures the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese Off Heat: Stir Parmesan in when the heat is low to prevent clumping.
How to Serve One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
Garnishes
Top your pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes on top elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty bread also pairs perfectly, soaking up every last drop of the decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy yet simple presentation, serve in individual shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, though the pasta may absorb more sauce over time.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta without cheese to maintain texture, then thaw and add fresh Parmesan during reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are great choices for tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak also works well when sliced thinly against the grain.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and make sure your beef broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How spicy is the One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta?
The heat level is adjustable; starting with a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is moderate, but you can reduce or increase it depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the steak with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based protein alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What can I pair with this pasta for a full meal?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread complement the rich, creamy pasta wonderfully and balance the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a delicious meal that’s creamy, spicy, and satisfies every comfort food craving, give this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta a try. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together with that wow factor, and the ease of a one-pan meal means you get more time to enjoy every flavorful bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your new favorite weeknight go-to!
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One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish combining tender slices of steak with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta all cooked together in one pan. This quick and flavorful meal offers comforting richness with a customizable heat level, perfect for busy weeknights or when craving indulgent comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta and certified gluten-free broth)
Ingredients
Steak and Seasonings
- 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta (dry)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups beef broth
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the thinly sliced steak generously with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender inside. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Cook the Pasta in Broth and Cream: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Partially cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Steak and Cheese: Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and gently stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature steak for even searing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; sear steak in batches if necessary for a nice crust.
- Fresh minced garlic yields better aroma and flavor than pre-minced.
- Keep pasta submerged while cooking and stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Stir Parmesan cheese in off heat or on low heat to prevent clumping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Freeze pasta without cheese for better texture; add fresh Parmesan when reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of cream or broth, stirring frequently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one skillet, steak pasta, garlic butter pasta, parmesan pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta
