Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta is the kind of dish that brings a little indulgence to your everyday table. Picture this: perfectly seared, juicy cubes of steak nestled into a bed of al dente rotini, all coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic butter, cream, and a kick of chili heat. It’s bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying—one of those meals where everyone at the table falls quiet with that first bite.

This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it’s about texture and balance. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta spirals, while the tender beef adds a savory, hearty contrast. The garlic butter base deepens the richness, and a touch of heat keeps things exciting. It’s the perfect marriage of spice and comfort, ideal for a cozy dinner that still feels just a bit special.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe

• Rich & Bold Flavor: A creamy sauce with garlic and spice elevates the dish from simple to unforgettable.
• Hearty & Filling: The combination of juicy steak and pasta makes this a complete, satisfying meal.
• Quick & Impressive: It looks like a restaurant dish, but comes together fast enough for weeknights.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice level—mild warmth or full-on fiery, it’s up to you.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as amazing reheated the next day.
• One-Pan Friendly: Minimal cleanup without sacrificing depth of flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

Before diving into the deliciousness of this Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta, make sure your kitchen is set up for smooth sailing. The right tools can truly make or break this dish.

• Large Skillet or Deep Sauté Pan: You’ll need a pan that can handle both the steak and the pasta sauce. A deep, wide skillet ensures even browning on the steak and room for tossing the pasta in the creamy sauce without making a mess.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for cleanly cubing your steak into even, bite-sized pieces. A sharp knife will also help with finely mincing garlic or herbs.
• Cutting Board: Preferably a large one to separate raw meat prep from anything else, maintaining kitchen hygiene.
• Pasta Pot: Use a deep pot for boiling your pasta—this allows the noodles to move freely and cook evenly.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Handy for flipping steak cubes without breaking them and for stirring the creamy pasta mixture without damaging the pasta.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when it comes to balancing spice and creaminess.

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Preparation Tips

Getting ahead with a few smart prep steps can help this recipe come together in a breeze:

• Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even searing and better flavor.
• Salt your pasta water generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking—especially the cream and spices. The cooking moves fast once the steak hits the pan.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing more flavor and keeping the texture ideal.
• Deglaze with a bit of pasta water or broth if the garlic butter starts to stick—this also enhances the sauce’s depth.
• Pat your steak dry before searing—moisture is the enemy of a good crust.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe

To make this dish rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Steak and Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference)

For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup beef broth (or pasta water)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for extra heat)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds depth and color)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to finish the sauce with a bright or warming note.

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and portioned before cooking—this recipe moves fast once you start!

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini (or pasta of your choice) until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Sear on all sides for about 4–6 minutes, until nicely browned but still juicy inside. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—you want those steak bits for flavor), reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Stir to combine and lightly toast the tomato paste for added depth.

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Step 4: Add Liquid & Simmer

Pour in beef broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Reduce slightly, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and silky. Return the cooked steak to the pan and toss everything together. Let it heat for another 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.

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Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a dash of lemon juice if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.

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Notes

• Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Sirloin is great for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or NY strip can elevate the richness even more.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili flakes and red pepper to your heat preference. You can also add a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
• Pasta Variations Work: While rotini is great for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are excellent alternatives.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan with Steak: This leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed to achieve that golden crust.
• Undercooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Cook just until fragrant, no longer than 30 seconds.
• Overcooking the Steak: Steak cooks fast, especially when cut into cubes. Sear and remove promptly to avoid chewiness.
• Adding Cream Too Quickly: Introduce cream slowly on medium heat to avoid curdling or separation.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Let cream and steak come closer to room temp before cooking for better consistency and flavor.
• Neglecting to Save Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps adjust sauce thickness and helps it cling to the pasta beautifully.
• Skipping the Rest After Cooking: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after searing so juices redistribute and don’t spill out when added to the pasta.
• Over-salting Before Cheese: Parmesan adds saltiness—taste before adding extra salt at the end.

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What to Serve With Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta?

This rich and flavorful dish can be even more satisfying with the right pairings. Whether you want to lighten things up or lean into indulgence, here are some ideal companions:

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls
   Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
2. Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
   A peppery, fresh contrast to the rich steak and cream.
3. Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus
   A lighter veggie side that complements the dish without competing with it.
4. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme and Butter
   Their earthy depth enhances the steak beautifully.
5. Creamed Spinach
   For those who want to double down on the richness.
6. Crispy Zucchini Fries or Baked Parmesan Zucchini
   Adds crunch and a touch of green.
7. Chilled Glass of Pinot Noir or a Bold Red Blend
   Steak and red wine are a timeless pairing—and this one fits the flavor profile.
8. Sparkling Water with Citrus or a Light Lemonade
   To cleanse the palate between spicy and creamy bites.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta stores quite well.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds.
• Freezer: Not ideal for freezing. Cream-based sauces tend to separate upon thawing, and steak texture suffers after freezing.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific brands and measurements.

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 115mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While sirloin is a solid choice, you can use ribeye for a richer flavor or flank steak for a more affordable option—just slice it thinly against the grain.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce or skip the chili flakes and crushed red pepper. The garlic butter and cream will still make it flavorful without the heat.

3. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a compromise, try using half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of extra Parmesan.

4. How do I keep the steak tender?

Avoid overcooking! Sear quickly over high heat, and let the steak rest after cooking to keep the juices inside.

5. What pasta works best for this dish?

Rotini is great because it grabs the sauce well, but penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are excellent choices too. Even fettuccine can work if you’re craving a twist.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can cook the steak and pasta in advance. Just store them separately and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve.

7. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.

8. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It can be! Portion into airtight containers and reheat gently. Just expect the steak to be slightly less juicy after reheating.

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Conclusion

Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta is the ultimate answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you want something indulgent, satisfying, and wildly flavorful. From the rich garlic butter sauce to the perfectly seared steak, every bite is a comforting yet bold experience. Whether you serve it up for a weeknight treat or a weekend dinner party, this dish never disappoints. It’s high-impact with minimal fuss—and a guaranteed hit at any table.

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