One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta: A Flavor-Packed, Effortless Dinner

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, yet impressive meal that comes together in one pan, look no further than this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta. Combining tender slices of steak with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce spiked with red pepper flakes and enriched with Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a balance of rich, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.

What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity and minimal cleanup — you cook the steak, pasta, and sauce all in one skillet, saving time and effort without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a quick gourmet meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet convenience: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
• Flavor-packed: Garlic, butter, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes create a bold, balanced sauce.
• Tender steak: Quick-seared slices of sirloin or ribeye make it feel indulgent.
• Comfort food: Creamy, cheesy pasta with a spicy kick that satisfies any craving.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels or add veggies for variety.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced thin
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 cups beef broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably oven-safe or with a lid)
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Tips Before You Start

• Choosing your steak: Sirloin and ribeye both work beautifully — sirloin is leaner, ribeye more marbled and flavorful. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for tender bites.
• Garlic prep: Mince the garlic finely to infuse the butter sauce with maximum flavor.
• Pasta selection: Spaghetti or linguine both absorb the sauce well; make sure to break spaghetti in half if needed to fit your skillet.
• Broth: Use a good-quality beef broth for rich, deep flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work.
• Butter temperature: Use room-temperature butter for quicker melting and smooth sauce.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Pat the steak slices dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

Heat half of the butter (¼ cup) in the large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak slices in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Press the pasta down to submerge it as much as possible. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover loosely and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 5: Combine Steak and Parmesan

Return the steak slices to the skillet, stirring them gently into the pasta. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the steak is cooked through and the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the pasta and sauce, adjusting seasoning if needed (salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes for more heat).

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect One-Skillet Steak Pasta

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak — this helps develop a nice crust.
• Use medium heat for cooking pasta to avoid sticking or burning. Stir frequently.
• If the pasta is still too firm but liquid is gone, add a splash of water or broth and continue cooking.
• Grate Parmesan fresh if possible for best flavor and melt.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is packed with protein from the steak and calcium from the Parmesan. Garlic offers immune-boosting properties, while the red pepper flakes provide metabolism-boosting capsaicin. Using beef broth instead of water adds savory depth without added fats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or even short pasta like rigatoni work well — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: What if I don’t eat beef?
A: You can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or turkey for a leaner alternative, though cooking times may vary.

Q3: How spicy is this dish?
A: The red pepper flakes add moderate heat; you can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor, or increase if you love spice.

Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh for optimal texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and gently reheated with a splash of broth or water.

Q5: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
A: Stir the pasta frequently while cooking and ensure enough broth is used so it has room to move.

Print

Final Thoughts

The One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta recipe offers a delicious, easy, and impressive meal that’s sure to satisfy any pasta or steak lover. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want to impress with little effort.

Try this recipe tonight and experience the perfect harmony of tender steak, spicy garlic butter, and cheesy pasta — all from one skillet!