Dinner

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender steak pieces combine with a rich, cheesy ranch sauce that coats every bite of penne pasta. It’s an easy recipe that feels gourmet and is sure to please the whole family.

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

Use ribeye for extra tenderness or sirloin for a leaner option.
Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add freshness and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.