Let’s talk about this Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta—trust me, it’s a game-changer. Picture this: succulent steak, perfectly tender pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Now, toss in a little ranch seasoning and a generous amount of melty mozzarella, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s not only comforting but also utterly delicious. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for cozy nights in, but also a crowd-pleaser when you want to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s all about creating unforgettable moments. Whether you’re having a lazy night in or hosting a fun gathering, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why this creamy pasta will win over your heart (and stomach):
Versatile: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe adapts beautifully. You can whip it up in no time and even double it for a bigger crowd—just picture everyone reaching for seconds!
Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank. You won’t need to spend hours at the grocery store or search for fancy items, yet the result will taste like something straight out of a five-star restaurant.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps with big flavor. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is super easy to follow and will leave you with a plateful of happiness. No complicated techniques, just pure comfort food.
Customizable: Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or throw in some fresh herbs to elevate the flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to suit your personal taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s got everything—a creamy sauce, savory steak, and cheesy goodness. Whether it’s just for you or you’re feeding a group, this dish is sure to be the star of the show. You’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

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Ingredients in Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta
Let’s break down the ingredients for this flavorful dish. It’s made with just a few simple pantry staples, but the combination is out of this world.
Steak: Tender, juicy steak that’s seared to perfection and adds a savory punch to every bite. The perfect protein to complement that creamy sauce.
Pasta: Any pasta you love will work, but I recommend something hearty like fettuccine or rigatoni to really hold onto that creamy sauce.
Mozzarella: Fresh, melty mozzarella brings that gooey, cheesy goodness that takes this dish from good to incredible.
Garlic Butter: Ah, garlic butter. It’s like a warm hug in every bite—rich, buttery, and just the right amount of garlic to elevate the whole dish.
Ranch Seasoning: This little packet of magic adds just the right amount of tangy flavor that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions for Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta
Let’s dive into making this creamy pasta dream a reality. You’re going to love how easy it is!
Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your pan to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get a good sear on that steak, which will lock in all the juices.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Season your steak with a bit of salt and pepper, then sear it in the hot pan until it’s browned on both sides. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This keeps it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt your butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in a bit of heavy cream and add the ranch seasoning. Let it simmer gently to thicken up while you toss in the mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Add the cooked pasta into the garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat every piece with that creamy goodness. Add in your sliced steak and give it one last toss to combine everything together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate up the pasta and garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra mozzarella. Serve it while it’s still warm and get ready for everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta
This creamy, cheesy pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it up even better:
Fresh Salads: Pair with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the pasta. A simple arugula or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will do wonders.
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread to help mop up that creamy sauce. Warm, crunchy, and buttery—it’s the perfect match.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes will bring some color and extra nutrition to your plate.
A Glass of Wine: This pasta pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a dinner party.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can chop your steak and prep the sauce ingredients in advance to save time. The sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated for an easy dinner.
Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick!
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily, so if you’re feeding a crowd or want some leftovers, go ahead and make extra!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute steak with chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs will work just fine in place of the steak. Just make sure to cook it through before slicing.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! The sauce and steak can be prepared ahead of time, and you can assemble the pasta right before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not the best for freezing since the cream and cheese might separate, but you can freeze the sauce and steak separately for up to a month and reheat when you’re ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or milk to get that smooth, creamy texture back.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate everything, and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A7: Yes! Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
Q8: What sides go well with this dish?
A8: A simple green salad or some garlic bread works wonders, but roasted vegetables or sautéed greens would also be perfect.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can use whole wheat pasta or reduce the amount of butter and cream. Adding more veggies will also make it a bit healthier.
Q10: What’s the best cookware for this recipe?
A10: A large skillet or sauté pan works best for searing the steak and making the sauce in one pan.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is everything you need in a meal—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and absolutely irresistible. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and savor the comforting deliciousness!
PrintCreamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta
This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious, savory meal packed with tender steak, a creamy ranch sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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12 oz penne pasta
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1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Sear the Steak: Season steak cubes with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
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Make Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ranch seasoning, heavy cream, and whole milk. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then stir in mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
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Combine & Finish: Add the cooked pasta and seared steak into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Serve Hot: Top with grated Parmesan (if using) and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy that creamy, garlicky, steak-filled goodness!
Notes
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You can use any steak cut you prefer, but sirloin or ribeye works best for tenderness.
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For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
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If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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This recipe can be made ahead by cooking the steak and pasta separately and storing them in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and combine when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg