Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender steak bites with a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it comes together quickly and satisfies any craving for creamy, savory pasta.

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the base layer is made of yellowish penne pasta, cooked al dente with a slightly glossy texture; the middle layer is a thick, white creamy cheese sauce evenly spread, coating the pasta; the top layer consists of browned, juicy beef cubes scattered across the pasta, sprinkled with black pepper and green herbs for added seasoning. The entire dish appears rich and indulgent, sitting against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and season with salt and pepper. Sear until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add shredded mozzarella and stir until completely melted into a creamy sauce.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained pasta and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss to fully coat in the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs on top, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use ribeye for richer flavor or sirloin for a leaner option depending on your preference.
  • Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of pasta water to the sauce before tossing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of browned steak. The dish has two main layers: the pasta, which is light golden and smooth with a slightly firm texture, and the thick, creamy white sauce coating it evenly. Scattered throughout are small to medium chunks of steak, browned on the outside with a juicy texture inside. The top of the dish is sprinkled with dried green herbs, adding color and texture contrast. The whole dish appears rich and warm, with the sauce slightly melted into the pasta and steak. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any tender cut like strip steak or filet mignon if preferred. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own using a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and salt.

Print
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Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and rich dish combining tender seared steak bites with al dente penne pasta, tossed in a luscious garlic butter ranch sauce enriched with melting mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe blends simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Steak & Pasta

  • 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the pan, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sear the steak bites until they are browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir in the packet of ranch seasoning mix. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  5. Add Cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir continuously until it melts completely, forming a creamy, smooth sauce.
  6. Combine: Return the drained pasta and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and steak with the creamy ranch mozzarella sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For steak doneness, cook longer for well done or less for medium-rare as preferred.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or more heavy cream to loosen it.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a cheese blend for variation.
  • Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds brightness to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak pasta, ranch pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter pasta, mozzarella pasta, one skillet dinner

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