Name: Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb sirloin steak; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 cup beef broth or pasta water; 1 cup heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For those who love the fusion of flavors, this Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine juicy, tender steak cubes, perfectly seared to lock in flavors, mingling with soft, irresistible rotini pasta. The magic doesn’t stop here—the spotlight is on the rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, infused with just the right amount of spice to tickle your palate. Whether you’re in search of a comforting dinner for a busy weeknight or a special meal for an indulgent weekend, this recipe offers the convenience of one-pan cooking with a gourmet flair. It’s a bold reinterpretation of classic pasta dishes, promising depth and complexity with every bite. The balance of spices and creaminess ensures it remains memorable long after the meal is over.

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

Indulge your senses with this exquisite blend of culinary elements:

Rich Flavors: A creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice engraves a lasting flavor profile.
Simple and Quick: With minimal effort, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks up in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing your kitchen and tools is the first step towards creating this delightful dish. Start by clearing your countertop and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment for a smooth cooking experience. You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta and a sizable skillet for cooking the rest of the dish. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for preparing the steak and garlic, while a pair of tongs will be handy for turning steak pieces and mixing the pasta with the sauce. Measuring spoons and cups will ensure you add the correct quantities of ingredients. Additionally, keep a strainer ready for draining pasta and a microplane grater for finely grating Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a rich, satisfying meal:

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb sirloin steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup beef broth or pasta water
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add in the rotini pasta and cook it until it is just shy of al dente—around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, remember to save a half cup of the pasta water, which will later enhance the creaminess of the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prep the Steak

Take your sirloin steak, ensuring it is dry by patting it down with paper towels. This helps achieve a proper sear. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili flakes. This spice mix adds layers of flavor to the meat, promising a delightful taste experience.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

In a generously sized skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, scatter the steak pieces into the pan, ensuring space around each piece. Sear the steak for about 4-6 minutes, turning to brown all sides, locking in its juices and forming a savory crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt, then introduce the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for around 30 seconds, just until it releases its mouthwatering aroma. Proceed by stirring in the tomato paste, crushed red pepper, and onion powder, letting them toast until everything is incorporated. This step elevates the flavor profile of your dish.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Deglaze your skillet by adding the reserved pasta water or beef broth, ensuring you scrape up all caramelized bits stuck to the pan—this is where a lot of flavor resides. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as the mixture begins to thicken. After simmering for 3-4 minutes, the sauce should become distinctly creamier.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Introduce the drained pasta to your creamy sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese will create an indulgent, cheesy layer. Once the pasta is well coated, return the cooked steak to the pan, mixing everything with care. Let the entire dish heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and serve the dish hot.

Variations

Protein: Swap sirloin for chicken breast or shrimp for a different take; both will absorb the flavors beautifully.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Spices: Customize the spice level by adjusting the chili flakes or trying a dash of sriracha or cayenne pepper.

Cooking Notes

Steak temperature is key—ensure your skillet is hot before adding meat to achieve a good sear.
The reserved pasta water is vital for creating a luscious sauce; do not skip this step!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce well.

Tips

Let the steak rest for a few minutes after searing to keep it juicy when reintroduced to the dish.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste in the creamy sauce.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 750 per serving
Protein: 45g
Sodium: 750mg

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best when served fresh; however, you can prepare components like the steak and sauce in advance, then combine and reheat before serving.

Can I use different pasta types?

Yes, feel free to substitute rotini with any pasta available, like penne or linguine; they will hold the sauce well.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the chili flakes and crushed red pepper for a milder version without losing flavor.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of flavor, texture, and indulgence. Whether you’re catering to spice enthusiasts or experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe adapts to various tastes and occasions easily. Make it your go-to comfort dish that pleases family and friends. As you relish in its richness, consider experimenting with variations or even leaving a comment to share your delightful tweaks. Cooking is as much about community as it is about individual joy, so don’t hesitate to pass this recipe along or try it with your own personal touch.