Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish packed with bold flavors and indulgent textures. Tender, seared steak is tossed with pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced by creamy ranch seasoning and gooey melted mozzarella. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

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

8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank—thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Steak:
   • Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add steak in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in ranch seasoning and cook for another minute.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella (and Parmesan if using), whisking until smooth and creamy.
   • Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Add the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce and heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Vegetable Add-In: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cheese Boost: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack for even more melty goodness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs work great in place of steak—just sear until fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone, cheddar, or even gouda can be used to change up the flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The pasta is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and sauce a day ahead and combine everything just before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, flavorful meal that brings restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table. With tender steak, garlicky ranch sauce, and melty cheese all tossed with pasta, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both comforting and delicious. Serve it up and watch everyone come back for seconds!

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