One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Dinner in Under 30 Minutes
Looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner that brings bold flavors and easy cleanup? This One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is your new weeknight hero. With juicy steak strips, tender pasta, smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese—all made in a single pan—it’s comfort food done right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One skillet = less cleanup
- Perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Packed with protein and satisfying carbs
This recipe combines the heartiness of steak with the creamy richness of ranch and the bold kick of BBQ. It’s like a backyard cookout in pasta form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cut into thin strips (ribeye, sirloin, or flank work best)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli hold the sauce beautifully)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (go smoky, spicy, or sweet based on your taste)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Steak
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak strips, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear for about 3–4 minutes, until browned but still tender.
- Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta in the Same Skillet
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those meat juices), pour in beef broth, heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and uncooked pasta.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- The pasta will cook and absorb the flavor-packed liquid.
3. Make It Creamy and Cheesy
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
4. Finish with the Steak
- Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet.
- Toss everything together and let it warm for another 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley if desired.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the steak: You want it juicy and tender, not dry.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Customize the flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or swap in Monterey Jack for a twist.
- Prefer chicken? You can easily substitute boneless chicken strips instead of steak.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Freezing? Not ideal—cream sauces can separate—but you can if needed. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover roast beef?
Yes! Just slice thinly and stir it in at the end to heat through.
Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
You can use light cream or half-and-half, low-fat cheese, and reduced-fat ranch to cut down on calories while keeping the flavor.
Which BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite! Smoky, sweet, or spicy—all work. Try mixing two for a custom flavor.
Conclusion
This One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish for steak and pasta lovers alike. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, a date night in, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers satisfaction with minimal cleanup. It’s bold, creamy, cheesy, and unforgettable.
Save this recipe, try it tonight, and don’t forget to share it with your fellow food lovers!