“`html
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender strips of seared sirloin steak mingling with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, spicy garlic butter sauce and loaded with melty cheese. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that come together beautifully in just one skillet, making it a busy weeknight hero or a weekend indulgence you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating a dish that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying.
- 2 cups penne pasta: The perfect shape to soak up all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
- 1 lb sirloin steak: Thinly sliced to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a rich, flavorful sear on the steak that locks in juices.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for that luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: A hearty dose of aromatic garlic to infuse every mouthful with savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a perfect kick of heat – adjust to taste for your spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground to enhance the steak and sauce.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, sharp richness that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey, stretchy indulgence that takes this pasta over the top.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Or water with bouillon as a simple alternative, this adds depth and helps cook the pasta in the skillet.
- Optional – parsley or chili flakes for garnish: Fresh parsley adds brightness, while extra chili flakes pack more heat for spice lovers.
How to Make One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil in your skillet and cook the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside if you want to follow the classic method. For a one-pot approach, use beef broth to cook the pasta right in the skillet, absorbing all the savory flavors from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Strips
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the same skillet. Add your thin steak strips and let them brown beautifully, about 3 to 4 minutes. The high heat ensures each piece develops a nice crust while staying juicy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then remove the steak and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Toss in minced garlic along with crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic is golden but not burnt. This step is where your sauce gains that bold, spicy garlic punch that’s signature to this recipe.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broth
Add the cooked or uncooked pasta back into the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes—this marries all the flavors and allows the pasta to soak in the savory broth if you are cooking it from raw. Keep an eye on it so the liquid reduces just enough to create a slightly thick, saucy consistency.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Stir in both grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Watch as the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety coating for every piece of pasta and steak. This is where the dish gets irresistibly rich and gooey, a must for anyone who loves cheesy comfort food.
Step 6: Return the Steak and Finish
Pop the juicy steak strips back into the skillet and toss everything together gently. Let the whole dish simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld all the flavors perfectly. Now you’re ready to garnish and serve this stunning One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe piping hot!
How to Serve One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green color and a bright, herbal touch that balances the richness. For a fiery finish, scatter some extra chili flakes to turn up the heat and make each bite exciting. These small touches make your presentation as delightful as the flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty bread also works wonderfully to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe that delights guests. For a fuss-free party meal, portion it into small cast-iron skillets or ramekins. You can also drizzle a touch of truffle oil over the top for a gourmet twist that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
Because this pasta has a creamy cheese sauce, freezing is possible but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to keep the cheese from clumping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is great because its shape holds the sauce well, but feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I reduce the spiciness?
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add a pinch at the table if you want to sneak in more spice later.
What type of steak works best?
Sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or ribeye strips also make excellent, tender choices for this recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
While this recipe shines with steak, you could substitute with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives to keep that umami punch.
Is one skillet really enough for everything?
Yes! This recipe is designed to minimize cleanup by cooking pasta, steak, and sauce in the same pan, saving time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Recipe is like inviting comfort and excitement into your kitchen all at once. It’s quick, hands-on, and endlessly satisfying. Do yourself a favor and dive into this cozy, flavorful experience—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can transform into something so spectacular.
“`
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, flavorful dish combining tender sirloin steak strips with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy, garlicky butter sauce with a spicy kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal is a delicious, fuss-free dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- Salt, to taste
Steak
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
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
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a skillet. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Alternatively, you can cook the pasta directly in beef broth in the skillet for a one-pot method.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the same skillet. Add steak strips and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet, then stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the cooked (or uncooked) pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the liquid to reduce slightly. If cooking uncooked pasta in broth, cook until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Add Cheeses and Return Steak: Stir in grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the dish simmer together for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness to your taste.
- Using beef broth rather than water adds more depth of flavor to the pasta.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
- Ensure steak strips are thin to cook quickly and remain tender.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
