Hey y'all! If you love hearty comfort food with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender, juicy steak bites mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. It's a flavor-packed dish that's as impressive for date night as it is easy enough for busy weeknights with the family. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything simmers together in one pot for easy post-dinner cleanup.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: Steak, garlic, butter, and cream join forces for an unforgettable taste.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults—it's a true family favorite!
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 8 oz (225g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add steak cubes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still pink inside. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to pot. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and Italian herbs. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!).
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Finish the Creamy Sauce & Steak
- Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Toss in spinach (if using) and cooked steak (plus any juices). Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until everything is coated and heated through.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes for the Best One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- See how to cook pasta perfectly for helpful tips.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded can make the sauce grainy.
- For extra richness, swirl in an extra tablespoon of butter right before serving.
Variations on One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Mushroom Lover's: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the garlic butter base for earthy depth.
- Chicken Swap: Substitute steak with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for gentle heat.
Required Equipment for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12-inch diameter)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce can separate.
Serving Recommendations for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- A glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors.
Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Cut steak against the grain for extra tenderness (see this steak slicing guide).
- Don’t overcook the steak; sear quickly for juicy bites.
- Stir pasta often while cooking in the broth to prevent sticking and ensure even doneness.
FAQ: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Absolutely! Ribeye or New York strip work well—just adjust searing time for thickness.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish is best fresh, but you can prep steak and chop ingredients ahead for faster assembly.
- Is there a lighter option for cream?
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Looking to learn more about the nutritional value of steak? Check out this comprehensive beef nutrition guide.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Season the steak pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add steak and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove steak and set aside.
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2In the same pot, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add uncooked pasta and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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4Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
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5Return the cooked steak to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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