What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A rich and creamy spicy garlic butter sauce smothered over tender steak and homemade pasta, that’s what. This easy and quick recipe is a family favorite, made with simple ingredients like garlic and butter. Save this idea for your next fast and delicious meal.

Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of garlic butter, the spiciness of red pepper flakes, and the tender juiciness of a perfectly cooked steak, all served atop a bed of creamy pasta. What makes this dish truly special is its accessibility – using everyday ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its creative blend of flavors and textures, all achieved with minimal effort.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of creamy sauce, spicy kick, and savory steak creates a harmonious balance of flavors that anyone can achieve with easily found ingredients.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive outcome, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The key to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include high-quality steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), pasta of your choice (though thicker pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine works best), garlic, butter, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for the spicy kick. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of steak or pasta based on preference and availability. Additionally, for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely, slice the steak into manageable pieces if necessary, and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle the red pepper flakes and let them infuse into the butter for about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy garlic butter sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Slice the rested steak against the grain and serve on top of the pasta, drizzling any remaining sauce over the steak.

Handy Tips

Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your dish is heavily dependent on the quality of your ingredients, so choose the best you can afford.
Don’t overcook the steak: Steak is best served when it’s cooked to the right doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfection.
Reserve pasta water: This can be a lifesaver if your sauce becomes too thick, helping you achieve the perfect consistency.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the steak and reducing the creamy sauce. For the steak, medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a nice sear, while medium heat is better suited for the sauce to prevent it from boiling over or reducing too quickly. The ideal internal temperature for steak varies by doneness preference: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 150-155°F for medium-well.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the slight char on the steak and the texture of the pasta. To achieve a perfect sear on the steak, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the steak, and don’t move it until it’s time to flip. For the pasta, al dente is key – it should have a bit of bite or chew to it, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy sauce.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak sit for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.
Use compound butter: Mixing softened butter with garlic, parsley, or other herbs before adding it to the dish can enhance flavors and textures.
Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta retains some bite and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta and sauce together in the microwave or on the stovetop, and reheat the steak separately to prevent it from becoming tough.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked pasta and sauce together, and store the cooked steak separately in the refrigerator or freezer.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, components of it can be gifted. For example, you can package the compound garlic butter in decorative jars or wrap it in parchment paper and twine for a rustic touch. Similarly, homemade pasta or specialty sauces can be packaged in airtight containers and paired with a recipe card for a thoughtful gift.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Add some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the garlic butter for a unique twist.
Creative toppings: Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and adjust the sauce accordingly.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a bit of cream cheese.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. For the steak, different cuts can be used based on preference and availability.
Over/undercooking signs: Check the steak frequently to avoid overcooking. For the pasta, taste it regularly to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce, and store the cooked steak separately. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened.
Is it gluten-free? This depends on the type of pasta used. If gluten-free pasta is used, the dish can be gluten-free. However, always check the ingredients of the steak seasoning and sauce components.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet and adjust the cooking time slightly for the steak and sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta Recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its balance of spicy, savory, and creamy elements, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special celebration. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Creamy Garlic Steak Pasta