Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is pure comfort food with a bold twist. The spicy garlic butter gives the steak rich, fiery depth, while the cheddar cream sauce wraps each rotini in velvety goodness. Every bite delivers the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. It’s ideal for special dinners, date nights, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the entire dish comes together using simple ingredients and one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Cheddar Cream Rotini: A Decadent, Flavor-Packed Dinner
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and indulgent dish featuring juicy, pan-seared steak bites coated in a spicy garlic butter sauce, served over creamy cheddar rotini pasta for the perfect balance of heat and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cheddar cream sauce.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use ribeye or New York strip for a richer flavor.
- You can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or macaroni.
- Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared & Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip cut into bite-sized cubes—choose a well-marbled steak for tenderness and flavor.
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the cheddar cream sauce beautifully.
Butter: The foundation of the rich garlic butter sauce—use real butter for best flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a deep, aromatic kick.
Red Pepper Flakes: Bring gentle heat that balances the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak to perfection without burning the butter.
Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety base for the cheddar cream sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its rich, tangy depth and golden color.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Paprika (optional): Enhances the color and smoky flavor of the steak.
Directions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the steak. Pat the steak pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Sear the steak. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the red pepper flakes. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Add the cream base. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Combine the pasta and steak. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss until coated in the cheddar cream sauce. Return the steak to the pan and stir gently to combine everything.
- Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheddar before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking time 25 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the steak tough.
Variations and Customizations
Steakhouse Mushroom Pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a rich, earthy flavor.
Bacon Cheddar Version
Crumble in crispy bacon for a smoky, indulgent twist.
Four-Cheese Upgrade
Mix in mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for extra creaminess.
Smoky Chipotle Cream Sauce
Add a teaspoon of chipotle paste or smoked paprika for a deep, smoky heat.
Garlic Herb Butter Steak
Replace chili flakes with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a milder version.
Spicy Cajun Steak Pasta
Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the steak before searing for Southern flair.
Creamy Blue Cheese Variation
Stir in a touch of blue cheese for tangy, restaurant-style flavor.
Veggie Boost
Add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for color and freshness.
Chicken or Shrimp Swap
Substitute the steak with grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter alternative.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the sauce and steak over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
FAQs
1. What cut of steak works best?
Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak are ideal—they’re tender and flavorful when seared quickly.
2. Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly lighter in texture.
3. What cheese melts best in the sauce?
Freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan melt smoothly and prevent clumping.
4. How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes.
5. Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, just warm it in the garlic butter before adding it to the sauce.
6. Can I make it ahead?
You can cook the pasta and steak ahead of time—just prepare the sauce fresh before serving.
7. What type of pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, or cavatappi hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
8. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner—add a bit more cheese to thicken it.
9. How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add extra cheddar and top with melted cheese under the broiler for 2 minutes.
10. What can I serve with it?
A side salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread perfectly complement this rich pasta.
Conclusion
This Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Cheddar Cream Rotini is the kind of dinner that satisfies every craving—creamy, spicy, cheesy, and full of tender steak. The combination of sizzling garlic butter and rich cheddar sauce creates layers of flavor that feel indulgent yet balanced. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a date-night meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort right from your kitchen. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on its fiery, buttery perfection.
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