Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Melted Mozzarella Rotini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to tender, seared steak coated in a spicy garlic butter sauce. The rotini’s spiral shape grabs every drop of that buttery heat, and the melted mozzarella brings it all together with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a one-skillet pasta dish that’s simple, indulgent, and endlessly comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotini pasta
• Sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic (minced)
• Red pepper flakes
• Unsalted butter
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: smoked paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the steak: Pat the steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in red pepper flakes and any optional spices you prefer.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter until coated. Return the steak to the pan and mix until everything is evenly distributed and heated through.
5. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Cover the pan for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
• Different Cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Chicken Swap: Use chicken breast or thighs in place of steak for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. For best texture, reheat slowly to avoid overcooking the steak or drying out the pasta.

FAQs

What kind of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work well because they’re tender and flavorful when quickly seared.

Can I use frozen steak?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best sear.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium, depending on how much red pepper you use. It’s easy to adjust to your heat preference.

Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Yes, just warm it through in the skillet after making the garlic butter sauce to avoid overcooking.

Do I have to use rotini?

No, any pasta shape works, but rotini holds onto the sauce and cheese really well.

Can I bake it for a crusty top?

Yes! Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

What goes well on the side?

A simple green salad or roasted veggies complement this rich dish nicely.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and cook the pasta in advance, but it’s best assembled and served fresh for optimal texture.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes—just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to keep it milder.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is possible, but the steak and cheese may lose some texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Melted Mozzarella Rotini is the kind of hearty, flavor-packed dish that satisfies every craving. With tender steak, buttery spice, and cheesy pasta in every forkful, this meal is pure comfort and bold flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or indulgent weekends, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Melted Mozzarella Rotini

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Spicy Garlic Butter Steak with Melted Mozzarella Rotini is a bold and indulgent one-pan pasta dish featuring juicy steak bites, spicy garlic butter sauce, and tender rotini pasta smothered in gooey mozzarella. Comforting, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 12 oz rotini pasta
2. 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
3. 2 tbsp olive oil
4. Salt, to taste
5. Black pepper, to taste
6. 4 cloves garlic, minced
7. 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
8. 4 tbsp unsalted butter
9. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
11. 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12. Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, or 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

1. Pat steak pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in red pepper flakes and optional seasonings.
3. Add cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Return steak to the skillet and mix until combined and heated through.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Cover skillet for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and becomes gooey.
5. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving hot.

Notes

• Adjust red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
• For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
• Rotini works best, but penne or fusilli are good substitutes.
• For a baked option, transfer to a dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to avoid drying out steak and pasta.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 125mg