Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta: A Rich, Crowd-Pinning Dinner Favourite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta is the type of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something indulgent and memorable. With tender slices of seasoned steak, a velvety ranch-infused sauce, and stretchy mozzarella woven through buttery garlic pasta, every bite feels warm, bold, and deeply comforting. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how effortlessly the flavours harmonise—savory steak, creamy ranch, melted cheese, and fragrant garlic butter all come together without requiring complicated steps. When I tested a variation using almond milk to lighten the sauce slightly, the creaminess was still impressive, proving how adaptable and forgiving this recipe is. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving something hearty after a busy day, this dish delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with simple, reliable techniques.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (sirloin or ribeye)
Tender, juicy steak adds richness and protein. Quick searing creates caramelised edges that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
Long noodles hold the sauce well, ensuring a satisfying bite packed with flavour.

Butter
Butter forms the backbone of the garlic sauce, bringing smoothness and depth as it melts into the pasta.

Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aroma and savoury intensity, balancing the cream and cheese.

Ranch seasoning
Ranch gives the dish its signature flavour—tangy, herbaceous, and deliciously creamy when blended into the sauce.

Heavy cream
Creates the velvety texture of the sauce. It thickens naturally as it simmers, coating each strand of pasta.

Mozzarella cheese
Melted mozzarella adds a stretchy, decadent finish and helps the sauce cling to the steak and pasta.

Parmesan cheese
Adds sharpness and enhances overall richness while balancing the mozzarella’s mild flavour.

Olive oil
Used for searing steak, helping achieve crisp edges without burning.

Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings that elevate every component of the dish.

Red pepper flakes (optional)
For a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.

Directions

Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed. While the pasta cooks, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak on each side until browned. Remove the steak and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and stir to blend the flavours. Pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer until slightly thickened. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a small splash of the reserved pasta water.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy garlic ranch sauce. Fold in the sliced steak, ensuring it is warmed through and well distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Allow the pasta to rest for a moment so the flavours meld before serving.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a small splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as the cheese can thicken. The dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the mozzarella’s texture, but reheated portions still taste wonderfully rich.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken Ranch Pasta

Swap steak for sliced grilled chicken for a lighter option with similar flavour appeal.

Spicy Creamy Ranch Pasta

Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of hot sauce to elevate the heat.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Version

Stir in small mozzarella pearls for pockets of melty cheese throughout.

Bacon Ranch Upgrade

Add crispy bacon pieces for additional smokiness and crunch.

Garlic Herb Boost

Mix in fresh parsley, basil, or chives to brighten the creamy sauce.

Veggie-Loaded Pasta

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for colour and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Extra-Creamy Alfredo Fusion

Blend equal parts heavy cream and cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Steakhouse Style

Season steak with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a bolder crust.

Lightened-Up Version

Use half-and-half or almond milk with a thickener to reduce richness while keeping creaminess.

FAQs

What type of steak works best?

Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work well due to their flavour and tenderness.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

Ranch dressing alters the texture; seasoning is preferred for better balance.

Why did my cheese clump in the sauce?

Add cheese gradually over low heat to ensure smooth melting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, though you can prep steak and pasta earlier.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half works, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Does mozzarella have to be whole milk?

Whole milk melts more smoothly, but part-skim works as well.

Can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños to taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Reserve pasta water and add it to loosen the sauce as needed.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and prevents graininess.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is mild and creamy; simply omit optional spice additions.

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Steak & Mozzarella Garlic Butter Pasta offers everything you want in a comforting dinner: richness, texture, and balanced flavour. With tender steak, a lush ranch-infused sauce, and silky cheese throughout, it is both indulgent and approachable. Whether preparing a weeknight meal or a special weekend dish, this pasta delivers a satisfying experience and plenty of room for customization. It’s a recipe worth returning to whenever you crave something hearty, creamy, and undeniably delicious.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!