One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

When you crave something that’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor, this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is the answer. Juicy, seared steak strips and tender pasta come together in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a kick of spice and a shower of Parmesan — all made in one pan for easy cleanup.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want gourmet comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Think of it as the marriage between steakhouse indulgence and Italian pasta perfection.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Extra salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak
Pat steak strips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the steak strips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside — don’t wipe the pan; those browned bits are full of flavor.

2. Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the steak, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

6. Return the Steak
Add the cooked steak and juices back to the pan. Toss everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes until fully combined and glossy.

7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

🌶️ Tips for Perfect Steak Pasta

1. Use Quality Steak: Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work best. Avoid overcooking — tender and juicy is the goal.
2. Don’t Burn the Garlic: Cook it gently in butter to extract flavor without bitterness.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: It’s the secret to making the sauce cling beautifully to your noodles.
4. Balance the Heat: Adjust chili flakes based on your spice tolerance.
5. Freshly Grated Parmesan: Always grate fresh for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

🍝 Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Recipe

• One pan, minimal cleanup: Everything cooks together for simplicity.
• Restaurant-worthy flavor: Garlic butter + Parmesan + steak = magic.
• Customizable: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or date nights in.
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food: Bold, creamy, and a little spicy — it checks all the boxes.

One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Juicy steak strips tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy garlic butter Parmesan sauce — a one-pan meal that’s quick, creamy, and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American

Calories: 610

Ingredients

  

Steak

• 1 lb sirloin steak thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste

Pasta & Sauce

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 0.5 cup pasta water reserved from boiling pasta
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.5 lemon juiced, optional

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Season steak strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet and sear steak 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
4. Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds.
5. Pour in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
6. Add pasta, reserved water, and steak back into the skillet. Toss to coat.
7. Garnish with parsley, lemon juice, and more Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes for spice level. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.

🧂 Variations

• Creamy Mushroom Steak Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Swap steak for shrimp for a lighter version.
• Spinach Parmesan Pasta: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale before serving.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
• Extra Spicy: Stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or crushed Calabrian chili for extra heat.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this spicy garlic butter steak pasta with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce.
• Crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
• A glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully).

For a complete dinner, finish with something light like lemon panna cotta or chocolate mousse.

🕒 Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
• Avoid microwave reheating — it can make the steak tough.

🔥 Fun Facts About Steak Pasta

• The idea of pairing steak and pasta originated in Italian-American cuisine, inspired by the balance of rich meat and creamy sauces.
• Garlic butter sauces became popular in steakhouses across the U.S. during the 1950s.
• Parmesan cheese’s umami flavor enhances the beef’s savory notes, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

⭐ Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Rotation

It’s bold, buttery, spicy, and indulgent — the kind of meal that feels fancy but takes just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a date-night dinner, a comforting family meal, or an impressive weekend treat, this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta hits every craving.

Simple ingredients, big flavor, and one pan — this recipe truly earns the title of a FoodieMoms favorite.