One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
If you’ve ever wanted to bring restaurant-style steakhouse flavor straight to your own kitchen — this One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is your new go-to. It’s indulgent, full of bold flavor, and made entirely in one pan! Juicy seared steak slices meet perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a spicy garlic butter parmesan sauce that’s both rich and light.
This dish has it all: a little heat, creamy undertones from the butter and cheese, and that unmistakable savory kick from perfectly browned steak. Best part? It all comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup — perfect for weeknights or date nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥩 Juicy, seared steak in every bite.
- 🍝 One-skillet simplicity – easy cleanup, maximum flavor.
- 🌶️ Spicy garlic butter sauce adds the perfect kick.
- 🧄 Rich parmesan creaminess balances the heat.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30–40 minutes – a gourmet meal, no stress.
It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner.
The Flavor Profile
This pasta balances bold, savory, and spicy flavors beautifully. The garlic butter base melts into the pasta, coating each strand with a velvety sauce, while the red chili flakes bring heat that’s instantly tempered by rich parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Every bite is packed with juicy, golden-brown steak — seasoned and seared to perfection — for that satisfying umami hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Prepare and Sear the Steak
Pat steak slices dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn!). - Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly to the garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat.
Pour in reserved pasta water and toss until silky and well combined. - Add Parmesan and Steak
Sprinkle grated parmesan over the pasta, tossing until it melts into a light sauce.
Return the steak to the pan, tossing to combine everything evenly. - Finish and Serve
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, then garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear steak in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds.
- Add pasta and toss in garlic butter sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and stir.
- Add Parmesan cheese and return steak to skillet. Toss to combine.
- Finish with lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a well-marbled steak: Cuts like ribeye or sirloin stay tender and flavorful.
- Don’t overcook the steak: Medium-rare or medium is best for juiciness.
- Save your pasta water: It’s the key to a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
- Grate fresh parmesan: It melts smoother and tastes richer.
- Adjust the heat: Add or reduce red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to make it your own? Try these easy variations:
- 🍄 Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- 🌿 Toss in spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients.
- 🧅 Stir in caramelized onions for a sweet contrast to the spice.
- 🥓 Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky finish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with:
- A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- A side of garlic knots or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- A chilled glass of rosé or sauvignon blanc for balance.
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the sauce.
To Freeze:
Not recommended — pasta and steak textures may change after freezing.
Why One-Skillet Meals Are a Game-Changer
Cooking everything in a single skillet doesn’t just save time — it builds flavor.
When you sear the steak first, those flavorful brown bits left in the pan (fond) become the base for your garlic butter sauce. Nothing is wasted; everything builds layer upon layer of deliciousness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another protein instead of steak?
A: Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work beautifully with this sauce.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine coat best, but penne or fettuccine also work well.
Q: How can I make it creamier?
A: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream before the parmesan for a richer sauce.
The Bottom Line
This One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta brings together the best of both worlds: juicy steakhouse flavor and cozy pasta comfort — all in one easy pan. It’s fast, flavorful, and makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe hits every craving: spicy, buttery, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner.
