Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender steak bites combine with a rich, cheesy ranch sauce, making every bite deliciously indulgent. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy meal that feels special.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add shredded mozzarella and stir until completely melted into a creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Add the drained pasta and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss to fully coat in the sauce.
- Step 7: Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs on top, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce before combining with pasta.
- Use smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky twist.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta cooking water when tossing everything together.
- Substitute ribeye with sirloin for a leaner option without sacrificing tenderness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a homemade alternative to ranch seasoning mix?
Absolutely! You can make your own ranch seasoning by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the salt and avoid preservatives.
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Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta combines tender seared steak bites with al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy ranch-infused mozzarella garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and creamy textures that come together effortlessly in one skillet.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 ounce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear the steak until it is browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 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, until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the drained pasta and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and steak with the creamy ranch mozzarella sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ranch steak pasta hot. Optionally, top with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs for garnish and additional flavor.
Notes
- For best steak flavor, use sirloin or ribeye cuts.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak pasta, creamy ranch pasta, mozzarella pasta, garlic butter pasta, dinner recipe, quick steak dinner
