Dinner

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender seared steak pieces combine with a rich, cheesy ranch sauce to coat al dente penne pasta, delivering creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite.

This close-up image shows a creamy pasta dish made with penne pasta covered in a smooth, white cheese sauce. Mixed evenly throughout are thick chunks of browned beef that have a slightly crispy texture on the outside. The dish is sprinkled with small bits of dark green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The pasta's pale yellow color and glossy sauce create a rich, inviting look, with the beef pieces sitting on top and in-between the pasta layers. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and season with salt and pepper. Sear until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add shredded mozzarella and stir until completely melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss to fully coat in the sauce.
Step 7: Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs on top, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites in a little garlic and olive oil before cooking.
Substitute penne with fusilli or rigatoni for different pasta textures.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetable boost.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl, showing three layers: at the bottom, there is a layer of al dente penne pasta with a smooth, slightly yellow color; the middle layer is a thick white cheese sauce evenly coating the pasta, giving it a glossy and rich texture; on top, there are several pieces of browned, seared beef chunks scattered across, sprinkled with small flakes of dried herbs, adding contrast with their dark brown color and slightly crisp surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin or ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor, but you can use flank or skirt steak if thinly sliced. Adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

To make it vegetarian, omit the steak and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based protein instead. The creamy ranch sauce pairs well with many vegetables.