A complete family dinner made in just one pan – tender steak with creamy, spicy pasta that everyone will love
What Makes This Recipe Special
This hearty one-skillet meal brings together tender pieces of steak with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s like having your favorite steakhouse dinner at home, but much easier and more affordable. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak and Pasta:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye work best), sliced into thin strips
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use less if you prefer mild heat)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Getting Started (Prep Time: 10 minutes)
Before you begin cooking, slice your steak into thin strips – about 1/4 inch thick works perfectly. This helps the meat cook quickly and stay tender. Have all your ingredients ready nearby, as this recipe moves fairly quickly once you start.
Step 1: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Once the butter is bubbling gently, add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around for about 1 minute until the garlic smells wonderful and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown, as it can become bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Add your sliced steak to the skillet with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the steak pieces, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides and cooked to your family’s preference – usually about 3-4 minutes for medium doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about keeping it warm; we’ll add it back later.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Skillet
Here’s where the magic happens! Pour the beef broth into the same skillet – it will sizzle and pick up all those delicious flavors from the steak and garlic. Bring the broth to a rolling boil, then add your uncooked pasta directly to the skillet.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the beef broth as it cooks, giving it incredible flavor. If the liquid gets too low before the pasta is tender, just add a little more broth or water.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once your pasta is tender (taste a piece to check – it should be al dente, meaning firm but not hard), it’s time for the finale. Add the cooked steak back to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate.
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and steak beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Choosing Your Steak: Sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices because they’re tender and flavorful. If you’re watching your budget, sirloin works beautifully and costs less than ribeye.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Don’t worry if the pasta seems a little firm at first – it will continue to soften slightly as you mix in the cheese and let it sit for a minute or two.
Making It Milder: If anyone in your family is sensitive to spice, start with just 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can always add more next time.
Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-grated cheese from a container, creating a smoother, creamier sauce.
Nutrition Information
This recipe serves about 4-6 people generously and provides a complete meal with protein, carbohydrates, and plenty of flavor. Each serving contains approximately 650-750 calories, making it a satisfying dinner that will keep everyone happy and full.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this one-skillet meal is that each ingredient builds on the flavors of the last. The steak gets seasoned by the garlic butter, the pasta absorbs the rich beef broth, and the Parmesan cheese brings everything together in a creamy, comforting sauce that tastes like it took hours to make.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time or energy for complicated cooking. Your family will think you’re a kitchen magician!
