Silky Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Quick Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Creamy, indulgent ranch steak and mozzarella garlic butter pasta swirls comfort and flavor into every delectable bite.

Rich beef seared to perfection mingles with smooth, melting cheese and aromatic herbs.

The combination creates a restaurant-worthy meal that feels luxurious yet simple to prepare.

Layers of garlic-infused butter coat each pasta strand with intense, mouthwatering goodness.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Tender steak slices nestled atop this decadent pasta will transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single, sumptuous moment of this irresistible dish.

Everything You Need For Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

For Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Hearty base that cradles the creamy sauce and absorbs delicious flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances pasta's natural taste and helps season water during cooking.
For Protein and Seasonings:
  • Steak: Tender protein that adds rich, meaty texture and elevates the dish's heartiness.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that amplify the steak's natural flavors and create depth.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates perfect searing environment and adds luxurious richness to the meat.
For Sauce and Cheese Components:
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the sauce with intense, warm flavor profile.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Zesty blend that introduces tangy, herbaceous undertones to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides silky, luxurious base for creating ultra-smooth sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds sophisticated depth.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers stretchy, creamy consistency and mild, comforting flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create velvety sauce texture.
For Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that introduces bright, clean finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Gear Up For Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and salt.
  • Skillet: Key for searing steak and creating creamy sauce with perfect browning.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing steak and chopping garlic and parsley.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for precise cutting of ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.
  • Measuring spoons: Help measure salt, pepper, and seasonings accurately.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.

Directions For Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle salt into the water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Save a bit of the starchy water before draining.

  • Sizzle Steak

Season your steak slices with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Toss in the steak and cook until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it dance around until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning and give it a good stir.

  • Build Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently. Melt Parmesan cheese into the sauce, then add mozzarella to create a luxurious, silky texture.

  • Combine and Coat

Slide the cooked pasta and seared steak into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, making sure each piece gets a perfect coating. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For extra indulgence, add a handful of extra cheese on top.

Expert Tips & Flavor Boosts For Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Perfect Pasta Perfection: Tips for Incredible Flavor and Texture
  • Steak Searing Secret: Pat steak dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and seal in those delicious juices. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
  • Creamy Sauce Rescue: If your sauce breaks or becomes too thick, gradually whisk in reserved pasta water to restore smooth consistency. Room temperature cream helps prevent curdling.
  • Low-Carb Love: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. These alternatives keep the protein-packed goodness while reducing carbohydrates.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein strips. Choose a robust meat substitute that holds up well in the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Spice Level Upgrade: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for extra kick. Experiment with different ranch seasoning blends to customize your flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

How To Serve Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Dinner Party Delight: Invite friends over and serve this stunning pasta as a centerpiece dish. Wow guests with the rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seared steak slices.
  • Romantic Date Night: Create a cozy atmosphere with candlelight and this luxurious pasta. The combination of tender steak and melted cheese guarantees a memorable meal for two.
  • Quick Weeknight Comfort: Transform a busy evening into a gourmet experience with minimal cooking time. This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra portions for next-day lunches. The creamy sauce and protein-packed steak make an excellent next-day meal that reheats beautifully without losing texture.

Plan, Prep & Store Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Quick Meal Prep Hack: Slice steak and mince garlic ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reducing cooking time when you're ready to prepare the meal.
  • Sauce Rescue Strategy: If sauce thickens after cooling, gently reheat with a splash of pasta water or cream, stirring constantly to restore creamy consistency without breaking the sauce.
  • Leftovers Storage Magic: Transfer to sealed container and refrigerate for 35 days. Reheat gently in skillet over low heat, adding extra cream or pasta water to revive sauce texture and prevent drying out.
  • Freezer Friendly Tip: While best fresh, you can freeze pasta without mozzarella for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and refresh with additional cream when reheating to maintain original creamy quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 715 kcal

Servings: 5

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Silky Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Silky Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Ranch steak & mozzarella garlic butter pasta delivers a rich culinary experience from Italian-American kitchens. Juicy beef and melted cheese combine with herb-infused pasta for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip), sliced thin
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsps butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz or 28 g)
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge dried noodles in heavily salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente. Reserve a small measure of starchy liquid before carefully draining and setting pasta aside.
  2. Protein Searing: Generously season meat slices with salt and cracked pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over high temperature. Quickly sear meat segments to achieve a golden-brown crust while preserving internal moisture. Transfer protein to a holding plate.
  3. Flavor Foundation: Utilize the same skillet to create an aromatic base. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing flavors to bloom. Integrate ranch seasoning blend, stirring thoroughly to develop a rich flavor profile.
  4. Sauce Development: Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing subtle bubbling. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete melting. Add mozzarella fragments, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  5. Final Assembly: Combine cooked pasta and seared protein within the creamy sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta liquid if needed.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional additional cheese. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and textural quality.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness, reserving starchy pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Meat Mastery: Pat steak dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Whisk cheese gradually into warm cream to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform sauce texture.
  • Temperature Control: Serve immediately to maintain the pasta’s ideal temperature and prevent sauce from becoming too thick or congealing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 715
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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