Dinner

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender steak pieces combined with a rich garlic butter ranch sauce and gooey mozzarella make every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy pasta lovers and steak fans alike.

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the base layer is made of yellowish penne pasta, cooked al dente with a slightly glossy texture; the middle layer is a thick, white creamy cheese sauce evenly spread, coating the pasta; the top layer consists of browned, juicy beef cubes scattered across the pasta, sprinkled with black pepper and green herbs for added seasoning. The entire dish appears rich and indulgent, sitting against a white marbled texture background. 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 the steak pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add shredded mozzarella to the skillet and stir until it melts completely into a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Return the drained pasta and seared steak to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and steak fully in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra mozzarella or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak pieces briefly with a bit of garlic and olive oil before cooking.
Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta texture that holds the sauce well.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added vegetables.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Use freshly grated mozzarella for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce and cheese.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of browned steak. The dish has two main layers: the pasta, which is light golden and smooth with a slightly firm texture, and the thick, creamy white sauce coating it evenly. Scattered throughout are small to medium chunks of steak, browned on the outside with a juicy texture inside. The top of the dish is sprinkled with dried green herbs, adding color and texture contrast. The whole dish appears rich and warm, with the sauce slightly melted into the pasta and steak. 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 and ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor, but you can use any steak cut you prefer. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.

Is it necessary to use ranch seasoning mix?

The ranch seasoning adds a distinct flavor, but you can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer a homemade seasoning blend.