What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty, homemade one pot wonder like this creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta, loaded with tender steak and quick cooking pasta, save this idea for a deliciously easy family favorite meal.

one pot creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinner game: one pot creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta. This dish is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress. With its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and rich elements, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot and a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between spicy, savory, and rich, making it a dish that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Plus, it uses common ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: With just one pot to wash and a simple, straightforward cooking process, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, even on the busiest of weeknights.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

Key Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. These include: high-quality steak (such as ribeye or strip loin), pasta (such as penne or fusilli), garlic, butter, heavy cream, and a blend of spices that includes red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the steak with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh, and use a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. Other practical substitutions include using different types of pasta or adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the dish.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic and any additional vegetables you’re using, and slice the steak into thin strips. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, then add the steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pot and set it aside.
3. Step 3: Add the heavy cream to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it’s slightly reduced and creamy, then add the cooked pasta, steak, and spices to the pot. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
4. Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make or break this dish, so be sure to choose the best steak, pasta, and spices you can find.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Cook the steak until it’s just browned, then remove it from the pot to prevent it from becoming tough or overcooked.
• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or introduce other spicy elements, such as diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.

Heat Control

This recipe requires a medium-high heat to cook the steak and a low heat to simmer the sauce. To achieve the perfect doneness, cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium, and 150-155°F (66-68°C) for medium-well or well-done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Crunch Factor

This dish should have a satisfying crunch from the cooked pasta and a tender, creamy sauce. To achieve this texture, be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then toss it with the sauce and steak. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, as it can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, and it retains heat well.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Cook the steak and pasta in batches if necessary, to prevent the pot from becoming overcrowded and the ingredients from steaming instead of browning.
• Let it rest: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate or freeze: This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
• Use airtight containers: Store the dish in airtight, shallow containers to prevent the sauce from drying out and the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Label and date: Be sure to label and date the containers, so you can easily keep track of how long the dish has been stored.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holiday season. To package it as a gift, simply transfer the cooled dish to a decorative container, such as a ceramic bowl or a wooden crate, and add a gift tag or card with the recipe and cooking instructions. You can also add some crusty bread or a side salad to make it a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the sauce for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Add some toasted breadcrumbs, chopped nuts, or grated cheese to the dish for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp, or use different types of pasta or vegetables to change up the flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. If you don’t have steak, you can use chicken or shrimp instead.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the steak is overcooked, it will be tough and dry. If it’s undercooked, it will be raw and pink in the center. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the perfect doneness.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this dish contains pasta, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative to make it gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This one pot creamy spicy garlic butter steak and pasta recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and satisfying, and it’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender steak, and al dente pasta, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends. Happy cooking!