One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor — this Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is the perfect one-pan meal! Tender slices of juicy steak are tossed with al dente pasta in a silky garlic butter sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta and perfectly seared steak, this dish delivers the best of both worlds — all in one skillet!

✨ One-Skillet Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
🧄 Bold Garlic Butter Flavor: Melted butter and fresh garlic form the base of a rich, savory sauce.
🥩 Tender, Juicy Steak: Quick searing locks in moisture and flavor.
🧀 Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Freshly grated Parmesan melts perfectly, coating the pasta in cheesy goodness.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Red pepper flakes add a warm, balanced heat — easily adjustable to your taste.
⏱ Quick & Easy: Dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes.
🔄 Customizable: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a tasty variation.

This is the kind of meal that looks and tastes gourmet — but comes together with everyday ingredients and simple steps.

Essential Tools & Prep Tips

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Big enough to cook the pasta and steak together.

Tongs or Wooden Spoon – For flipping steak and tossing pasta.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing steak thinly.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep your sauce perfectly balanced.

🥩 Preparation Tips

Slice Steak Thinly Against the Grain: Keeps it tender and easy to chew.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce incredible depth.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue to soften slightly in the sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the Heat: Start with 1 tsp red pepper flakes and add more to taste.

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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese

🧂 Seasonings & Garnish

Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Sear the Steak

Add the sliced steak to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to your liking.
Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta in Beef Broth

In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package directions (10–12 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Add Steak and Parmesan

Reduce heat to low. Return the cooked steak to the skillet.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

5. Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

This pasta is rich, buttery, and flavorful enough to stand alone — but the right sides and garnishes make it even better.

🍝 Serving Ideas

Top with extra Parmesan and parsley for added flavor and color.

Drizzle with garlic butter before serving for extra richness.
Add a squeeze of lemon to balance the buttery sauce.
Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.

For extra heat, sprinkle more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Boost protein: Add shrimp, bacon, or mushrooms for variety.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even simple recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Here’s how to make yours perfect every time:

Overcooking the Steak:
➤ Sear quickly over high heat (3–4 min) and remove before cooking the pasta.
Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan:
➤ Always use freshly grated for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Overcooking the Pasta:
➤ Stop at al dente since it keeps cooking in the sauce.

Not Stirring While Cooking:
➤ Stir every few minutes to prevent pasta from clumping.
Sauce Too Thin?
➤ Let it sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat to thicken naturally.
Too Spicy?
➤ Cut back the red pepper flakes and balance with extra Parmesan or a splash of cream.

Skipping Resting Time:
➤ Letting the pasta rest a few minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Perfect Sides to Serve With It

Because this dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with something light and crisp makes for a perfect balance.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
Side Salad – Arugula or Caesar salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Sautéed Mushrooms or Spinach – Add umami and freshness.

Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans – Simple, crunchy, and bright.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

✅ Slice steak against the grain for tenderness.
✅ Toast red pepper flakes in butter for deeper flavor.
✅ Let sauce rest before serving so it thickens naturally.
✅ Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
✅ Fresh Parmesan only — no pre-shredded substitutes!

Storage & Reheating

🧊 Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Steak and sauce can be frozen up to 2 months (cook fresh pasta when reheating).

🔥 Reheating Without Drying Out

Stovetop: Warm gently with a splash of beef broth or cream.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of steak?
Yes — sirloin, ribeye, flank, or strip steak all work beautifully.

2. What pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great. Try penne or rigatoni for a shorter pasta.

3. How can I make it less spicy?
Use ½ tsp red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes are delicious additions.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — prep the steak and sauce, then cook fresh pasta before serving to avoid sogginess.

6. How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add more Parmesan, mozzarella, or a touch of cream cheese for richness.

Conclusion

This One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is a simple, satisfying meal bursting with bold flavors. Juicy steak, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a restaurant-worthy dinner made right at home — all in under 30 minutes.

Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this pasta