Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Ranch seasoning gives this incredibly decadent pasta dish an unexpected flavor twist that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Savory beef strips nestle perfectly among tender noodles coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Mozzarella melts into silky ribbons, creating irresistible pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the plate.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Protein-packed and creamy, this recipe satisfies deep hunger without complicated preparation steps.

Comfort meets gourmet in a single skillet, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and approachable.

One bite promises to become your new favorite dinner obsession.

Reasons to Love Creamy Ranch Steak and Mozzarella Pasta

• Savor Quick Comfort: A one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap steak for chicken or keep it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Restaurant-Style Indulgence at Home: Transform simple ingredients into a luxurious pasta dish that rivals professional kitchen creations, impressing family and guests without complex techniques.
• Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Combines lean protein from steak with creamy pasta, offering a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized through the day's activities.

Ingredients for Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Pasta

• Steak Cubes: Tender beef pieces that provide a rich, meaty flavor to the pasta dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the steak.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the garlic sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Provide a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a stretchy, creamy component that adds depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that brings a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the steak and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor profile to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in penne pasta and cook until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water, and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Steak Chunks

Sprinkle steak pieces with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place steak chunks into the hot pan, allowing them to sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare finish. Transfer the seared steak to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to bubble softly. Add finely chopped garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Let the garlic dance in the butter for about a minute, releasing its aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Ranch Sauce

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

• Ranch seasoning
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Stir the mixture until it begins to thicken slightly. Sprinkle in mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked pasta and seared steak into the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything until each piece is generously coated with the rich, garlicky sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Transfer to serving plates. If desired, shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a generous crack of black pepper.

Dive into this decadent meal while it’s piping hot!

Tips to Perfect Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Pasta

• Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the most succulent and flavorful result.
• Sear steak quickly on high heat to maintain juiciness and achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior without drying out the meat.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding extra milk if it becomes too dense.
• Add mozzarella gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
• Taste and adjust ranch seasoning and salt levels to complement the steak's natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Variations for Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Use Greek seasoning instead of ranch, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and substitute mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Mushroom Truffle Elegance: Add sautéed wild mushrooms, drizzle truffle oil before serving, and use a blend of parmesan and gruyère cheese for a luxurious earthy flavor.
• Cajun Protein Power: Season steak with Cajun spice blend, include sliced andouille sausage, and use sharp cheddar cheese to create a bold, Southern-inspired pasta dish.

What Goes Well With Creamy Ranch Steak Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty steak and creamy sauce. The wine's tannins will cut through the heavy cream and enhance the savory flavors.
• Create a Fresh Green Side: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the steak's intensity. The beer's carbonation will cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent pasta.

How to Store Creamy Ranch Steak Mozzarella Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to prevent drying out.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Warm gently in skillet over low heat, stirring constantly. Add small amount of cream or milk to revive sauce texture and prevent sticking.

Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are excellent choices. They offer good flavor and tenderness when cut into cubes and quickly seared.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the steak for extra heat.

• Do I need to use heavy cream, or can I substitute?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but heavy cream provides the richest, most luxurious texture for the sauce.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can store the cooked dish in an airtight container for 23 days and reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency.

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy ranch steak & mozzarella garlic butter pasta elevates comfort cuisine with luxurious flavor combinations. Succulent steak, melted mozzarella, and rich garlic butter create a memorable dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
• 1 12 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Extras:

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and coarse black pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
3. Sear steak pieces in a single layer, ensuring each cube develops a rich golden-brown crust. Cook approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate and set aside.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Melt butter completely, then add finely minced garlic. Gently saute until aromatic and softened, about 45-60 seconds.
5. Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet. Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly across the liquid. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
6. Gradually incorporate mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Allow cheese to fully melt and integrate.
7. Return seared steak to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss thoroughly, ensuring each component becomes beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, well-marbled steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Pat steak pieces dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and create a delicious golden crust.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more robust and authentic garlic flavor in the sauce.
• Adjust cream and milk ratios for desired sauce thickness, adding more for a lighter consistency or less for a richer texture.
• Replace ranch seasoning with Italian herbs for a different flavor profile that complements the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch seasoning is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 705 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg