Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

Oh, you’re in for a treat! This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Picture this: juicy, tender steak, perfectly seared and tossed with a creamy ranch-infused sauce, garlic butter, and gooey melted mozzarella. And let’s not forget the pasta—it’s the perfect vessel to soak up all that luscious, creamy goodness. This dish is a game-changer, making you look like a top-tier chef, even if you’re short on time. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends at dinner, this pasta is bound to be the star of the show. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

1. Mouthwatering Steak:

The steak is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. It’s coated with a savory ranch seasoning that adds a whole new layer of flavor, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

2. Creamy, Garlic-Infused Sauce:

The garlic butter sauce brings all the magic. Rich, creamy, and smooth, it perfectly coats the pasta and melds beautifully with the ranch seasoning. The mozzarella adds an extra cheesy pull that’s seriously to die for.

3. Quick and Easy:

This meal comes together in no time, with minimal prep. It’s a dish you can whip up for a weeknight dinner or even impress your guests without feeling stressed out.

4. Cheese Lovers’ Dream:

The mozzarella in this dish is the real MVP, making every bite creamy and cheesy, while the pasta absorbs all that rich sauce. It’s like a cheese lover’s fantasy come true.

5. Comfort in Every Bite:

This is the kind of meal that feels like comfort food at its finest. The richness of the ranch, combined with the garlic butter and steak, creates a cozy, satisfying dish you’ll want to curl up with.

Ingredients

For the steak and pasta:

• 2 ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut of steak)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)

For the creamy ranch garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or about 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the steak, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and milk, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up a little.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella

Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, continuing to cook and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Steak

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy ranch garlic butter sauce. Then, gently stir in the sliced steak. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Divide the creamy ranch steak pasta into bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and get ready to dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 630
Total Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 910mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 4% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value
Iron: 15% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta

This dish is amazing on its own, but you can take it up a notch with these fun side ideas:

1. Side Salad:

Pair the pasta with a light side salad, such as a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the dish.

2. Garlic Bread:

You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into that creamy sauce. It’ll elevate the meal to the next level!

3. Roasted Vegetables:

Roast up some vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add some color and extra nutrients to the plate. The crispy veggies will complement the creamy pasta perfectly.

4. Steamed Green Beans:

Green beans are a great, healthy side that pairs well with the richness of the pasta. Lightly seasoned and steamed, they provide a lovely contrast in texture.

5. Cheese Garnish:

Feel free to sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top for even more cheesy goodness. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor!

Additional Tips

• Customize Your Steak: Feel free to use any steak cut you prefer, such as sirloin, flank, or New York strip. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice It Up: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy ranch flavor.
• Make It Lighter: If you want to make this dish a little lighter, swap out the heavy cream for a lighter version or use half-and-half instead. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a less indulgent meal.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the pasta and steak ahead of time and store the sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything in a skillet to reheat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

A1: Yes! You can use any type of steak you like. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and cut of your steak. Flank steak, sirloin, or even skirt steak would work beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A2: Absolutely! You can skip the steak entirely and swap it out for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add a protein like tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A3: Of course! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, whether it’s penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?

A4: If you want a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or stir in a small amount of cayenne pepper. It’ll add a nice spicy kick without overpowering the ranch flavor.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked steak for this dish?

A5: Yes, if you have leftover cooked steak, you can slice it thin and add it to the sauce at the end. Just heat it through to combine the flavors.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?

A6: Yes! You can cook the pasta, steak, and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just combine them and heat everything through.

Q7: How can I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?

A8: While the sauce may separate a bit when reheated, you can freeze the pasta and steak for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them separately, and thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Q9: How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?

A9: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Q10: Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

A10: Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some Parmesan to the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is guaranteed to impress, whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal. With tender steak, a rich garlic butter ranch sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, it’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Enjoy!

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