If you’ve ever dreamed of a dinner that combines rich, spicy, and cheesy flavors all in one hearty dish, then this One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender strips of sirloin steak seared to perfection, swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce with just the right kick from red pepper flakes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed in melty parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It’s comfort food elevated, easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to savor with family or friends. This recipe proves that incredible meals don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps — just some simple essentials cooked together in one skillet to maximize flavor and minimize cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, balancing textures and layers of flavor that build up the magic in the skillet. From the juicy sirloin to the fragrant garlic and gooey cheeses, each component is simple but essential to creating that perfect bite.
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of steak.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips: Tender and flavorful, seared quickly to lock in juices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ideal for a high-heat sear that crisps the steak edges nicely.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness as the base of the garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a spicy kick that brings excitement to every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the steak’s natural flavor without overpowering.
- Salt to taste: Essential seasoning for balancing all elements.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, luscious texture.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon): Adds moisture and flavor while cooking the pasta in the skillet.
- Optional – parsley or chili flakes for garnish: Adds a fresh color contrast or extra heat to customize your dish.
How to Make One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water directly in your skillet or a pot to cook the penne pasta until just al dente. If you’re going for an even simpler one-pot version, you can cook the pasta right in the beef broth in your skillet. This step ensures the pasta soaks up all that savory flavor as it cooks, setting the perfect foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Strips
Next, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the skillet. Add the sirloin steak strips, spreading them out so each piece gets a satisfying sear. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned on the edges while remaining juicy inside. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in those meaty flavors that make this dish truly special.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for just about a minute until the kitchen fills with that rich, aromatic scent and you feel the spicy warmth teasing your senses. This garlic butter sauce is the heart of the dish, layering deep warmth and spice into every bite.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broth
Now, add your cooked (or uncooked, if you’re using broth to cook it in the skillet) pasta and pour in the beef broth. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the savory broth and the sauce thickens slightly. This melding of flavors in the skillet is key to achieving that irresistibly creamy, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses and Return Steak
Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly so they melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a creamy, indulgent texture. Return the seared steak strips to the skillet and mix everything together, letting those amazing flavors mingle and deepen.
Step 6: Final Simmer and Serve
Allow the whole skillet mixture to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to blend all the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. Once everything looks glossy and irresistible, it’s time to garnish and serve straight from the skillet while hot.
How to Serve One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves or an extra pinch of chili flakes on top not only livens up the dish with color but also layers in freshness or heat to your exact taste preference. A little green or red contrast can make each plate look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since this One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe is so rich and flavor-packed, consider pairing it with light sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies. Something simple and fresh will cut through the richness and keep your meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep the dish warm and add a cozy vibe. You might also try topping it with toasted breadcrumbs or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of texture and flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture for reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen in portions for up to 1 month. To freeze, pack into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess if the pasta starts to dry out. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through is essential to heat evenly and keep that saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work beautifully too. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente.
Is sirloin the only steak I can use?
Not at all. Ribeye, flank, or even filet mignon strips can substitute nicely depending on your budget and preference. Just make sure to slice thinly so they cook quickly and stay tender.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I reduce the heat?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder version. The cheese and buttery sauce balance the spice perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the steak for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The garlic butter cheese sauce will still shine and create a satisfying meal.
Is it necessary to use both parmesan and mozzarella cheese?
Using both cheeses gives you a wonderful mixture of sharpness from parmesan and melty creaminess from mozzarella. However, if you want a simpler version, just one of these cheeses will still produce a tasty, cheesy sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel indulgent without any fuss. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table with its bold flavors and creamy comfort. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen — perfect for when you want to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it.
Print
One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining tender sirloin steak with al dente penne pasta, enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a fiery kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- Salt to taste (for boiling water)
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- Parsley
- Extra chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a skillet and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, use the beef broth and cook the pasta directly in the skillet for a one-pot method.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin steak strips and sear them until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the cooked (or uncooked if using the one-pot method) pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until they melt into a creamy sauce that nicely coats the pasta.
- Return Steak and Combine: Add the seared steak back into the skillet, tossing everything together to combine well. Let it simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or extra chili flakes if desired. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference for spiciness.
- If preferred, use water with bouillon instead of beef broth for depth of flavor.
- To reduce cleanup, cook the pasta directly in the beef broth in the skillet (one-pot method), but keep an eye on liquid levels so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melt and flavor.
- Steak can be substituted with other cuts like ribeye or flank steak if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
