Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta Delight

This Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta Delight is a rich, indulgent dish bursting with savory flavors and creamy textures. Tender slices of steak are seared to perfection and tossed with pasta in a luscious ranch-seasoned garlic butter sauce, then finished with gooey melted mozzarella for an irresistible touch. Perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing guests, this recipe combines the best of steakhouse elegance and comforting pasta dishes into one unforgettable meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• A decadent fusion of juicy steak, cheesy pasta, and ranch-kissed creaminess in every bite.
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
• Customizable with different proteins, veggies, or spice levels to suit your taste.
• Kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough to impress adults.
• Hearty shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring maximum flavor in every forkful.
• Ideal for using leftover grilled steak or experimenting with alternative proteins like chicken or shrimp.

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Ingredients

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

For the steak:

• 1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip steak, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the pasta and sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella pearls for even melting)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Optional garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

While the pasta is cooking, season the thinly sliced steak generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the steak slices in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce begins to thicken slightly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and velvety.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Return the seared steak slices to the pan and toss everything together to combine.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of melted garlic butter on top before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy pasta dish while it’s hot!

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Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

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Variations

• Protein swap: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu instead of steak for a different twist.
• Extra veggies: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to add more nutrition and texture.
• Homemade ranch: Substitute store-bought ranch seasoning with a homemade blend for a cleaner option.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheese options: Experiment with smoked mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for deeper flavor.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly for a lighter dish.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating tips: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce if it thickens.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream and cheese, which may separate when thawed.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
   Yes, flank, skirt, or even leftover grilled steak works well. Thinly slice it for quick cooking.
2. What’s the best pasta shape?
   Hearty shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are ideal because they hold the sauce beautifully.
3. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
   No, dry ranch seasoning is essential to keep the sauce thick and flavorful.
4. Can I make this dish ahead?
   Best served fresh, but components like the steak and sauce can be prepped in advance.
5. How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
   Stir it in gradually over low heat to ensure smooth melting and a creamy texture.
6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Absolutely—creamy pasta with steak and cheese is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
7. Can I make it lighter?
   Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.
8. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
   Yes, tear it into small pieces or use mozzarella pearls for even melting.
9. What sides go well with this?
   A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent pairings.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, just use a large enough skillet and adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate the increased volume.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta Delight is a bold and comforting dish that combines juicy steak, cheesy pasta, and ranch-kissed creaminess in every bite. Rich, savory, and utterly satisfying, it’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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This Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, pan-seared steak is tossed with pasta in a creamy ranch-seasoned garlic butter sauce and finished with gooey mozzarella. It’s a quick and indulgent dinner that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-inspired

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Recipe Card

Ingredients
(Scale: 1x | 2x | 3x)

For the steak:

• 1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip steak, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the pasta and sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella pearls)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Optional garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the steak slices with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the mozzarella cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Return the steak slices to the skillet and toss everything together. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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Notes

• You can use leftover steak or swap in grilled chicken or shrimp.
• For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it extra indulgent with a drizzle of garlic butter on top before serving.

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