One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta: A Flavorful, Easy Meal
One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of creamy pasta with the smoky flavor of BBQ and the tang of ranch. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, filling, and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your tastes. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet! If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake, both packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak (flank or sirloin works best)
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth.
- Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, and butter. Mix well to combine and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine:
- Add the sliced steak back into the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt into the creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve hot and enjoy your One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta!
Advanced Techniques
If you’re looking to elevate your One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta even further, there are several techniques you can use to add extra depth of flavor or make the dish more personalized.
1. Perfecting Steak:
- For a more gourmet experience, consider sous vide cooking your steak for the perfect doneness, then searing it in the skillet. This method ensures your steak is tender and juicy, which will elevate the texture and taste of the dish.
- Marinating your steak in the BBQ sauce or a mixture of your favorite seasonings overnight can also add an additional layer of flavor.
2. Flavor Variations:
- For added depth, you can incorporate a bit of smoked paprika into the ranch seasoning mix for a smoky undertone.
- You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes. These small changes can transform your pasta into something completely unique!
3. Herb Infusion:
- Before adding the pasta, consider infusing your olive oil with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. This adds another layer of aroma and complexity to the final dish.
- A fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
4. Cheese Variations:
- While cheddar cheese works wonderfully, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a more intense flavor profile.
- You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a nice salty kick and additional depth of flavor.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is a fantastic dish to prepare in advance, and it stores well for future meals. Here’s how you can store and maintain its freshness:
1. Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a bit of extra cream or broth when reheating.
2. Freezing:
- You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet, adding a little extra cream or broth if necessary to rehydrate the pasta and sauce.
3. Reheating:
- Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even reheating.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Whether you’re adhering to a specific dietary preference or simply want to make the dish more versatile, here are some options for adapting your One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta.
1. Gluten-Free:
- Swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are a variety of gluten-free pasta options available, including rice-based and corn-based pasta.
- Check that your ranch seasoning mix and BBQ sauce are gluten-free, as some store-bought brands may contain hidden gluten.
2. Dairy-Free:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Use dairy-free cheese, such as vegan cheddar, to replace the shredded cheddar, or simply omit it if desired.
3. Low-Carb/Keto:
- Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce to reduce the carb content further, as many BBQ sauces contain hidden sugars.
4. Vegetarian:
- Omit the steak and substitute it with roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Alternatively, try using plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian protein source.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
- Yes, chicken works just as well in this recipe. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook them in the same way you would the steak, seasoning with salt and pepper before cooking.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just ensure that the cooking time adjusts accordingly.
3. How spicy is this dish?
- This dish isn’t spicy unless you add extra heat. The BBQ sauce provides a smoky flavor, and the ranch seasoning adds tang, but there’s no real spiciness unless you decide to add chili flakes or hot sauce.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store the cooked pasta and sauce separately from the steak, and reassemble before serving to ensure everything stays fresh.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Ranch Steak Pasta is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. With minimal cleanup and a burst of flavors from BBQ, ranch, and creamy sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own! Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with advanced techniques, this dish is sure to satisfy.