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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Melt butter completely, then add finely minced garlic. Gently saute until aromatic and softened, about 45-60 seconds.
- 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.
- Gradually incorporate mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Allow cheese to fully melt and integrate.
- Return seared steak to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss thoroughly, ensuring each component becomes beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.
- 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