Picture this: it’s a cozy weeknight after a long day, and you’re craving something comforting yet a little indulgent. You want a meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen—but without the extra cost or effort. That’s exactly where this Cowboy Butter Steak Penne with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes comes in.
This dish was inspired by the bold flavors of cowboy butter—a garlicky, herbed, and buttery sauce often paired with grilled steak at backyard cookouts. It’s the kind of sauce that transforms a simple meal into something unforgettable. Here, that same flavor magic is tossed with tender steak bites, vibrant spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all folded into al dente penne pasta. The result? A rich, savory, and colorful meal that tastes like comfort in a skillet—perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy date nights, or when you just want something hearty and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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12 oz penne pasta
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cups fresh spinach
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3 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken or beef broth
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional garnish: fresh parsley or red pepper flakes
Directions
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Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside. -
Sear the steak
Season your steak cubes generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Sear each side for about 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside. -
Cook the vegetables
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes. -
Create the cowboy butter sauce
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt and combine with the broth and butter to form a silky, flavorful sauce.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed. -
Combine everything
Return the seared steak to the skillet, along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly in the cowboy butter sauce. Cook for another minute or two until everything is hot and well combined. -
Serve and garnish
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Steak Penne with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flavor. The cowboy butter sauce—made with garlic, butter, paprika, and parmesan—adds a rich, velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta. The juicy steak bites bring a hearty element, while the fresh spinach and tomatoes add color, freshness, and a pop of brightness that keeps every bite balanced.
It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. You get the smoky, garlicky flavor of steakhouse-style cowboy butter combined with the creaminess of pasta night at home. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner with your loved ones.
The Inspiration Behind Cowboy Butter
Cowboy butter originally gained fame as a grilled steak accompaniment popular among home cooks and pitmasters across the United States. It’s a bold, buttery condiment packed with garlic, herbs, and spices, known for enhancing everything from steak to seafood.
The idea for this pasta came from the desire to take that classic cowboy butter flavor and turn it into a full meal. By combining it with penne pasta, we capture all the essence of a sizzling steak dinner and make it even more satisfying. Every bite delivers the same comforting flavors you’d expect from a hearty cowboy-inspired meal—but with a creamy, pasta twist that brings the whole dish together beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Butter Steak Penne
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Choose the Right Cut of Steak:
Go for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts stay juicy even after being sliced into smaller pieces and seared. -
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
When searing steak bites, cook them in batches if needed. Crowding the pan traps steam and prevents browning, which means you’ll lose that delicious crust. -
Use Fresh Garlic:
Cowboy butter is all about flavor, and nothing beats the punch of freshly minced garlic. Avoid jarred garlic for this one—it makes a big difference. -
Reserve Some Pasta Water:
If your sauce feels too thick, stir in a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it even creamier. -
Add a Kick of Heat:
For a little extra flavor dimension, toss in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. -
Finish with Fresh Herbs:
A sprinkle of parsley or even a bit of chives adds a burst of freshness that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
What Makes Cowboy Butter So Good?
Cowboy butter is the star of this dish for a reason—it’s the ultimate flavor enhancer. Made primarily from butter, garlic, and herbs, it melts into a sauce that’s both rich and vibrant. The smoked paprika gives it a subtle warmth, the garlic adds depth, and the butter ties everything together in a silky finish.
In this pasta, that sauce coats every bite of steak and penne, giving it a velvety texture that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of sauce that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. Once you try it, you’ll want to use it on everything—steak, chicken, vegetables, or even seafood.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few ways to customize your Cowboy Butter Steak Penne:
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Mushroom Lover’s Version:
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich twist. They pair perfectly with steak and butter sauce. -
Cheesy Upgrade:
Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or an extra sprinkle of parmesan for a richer, gooier sauce. -
Herb Infusion:
Add a mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra aroma and freshness. -
Veggie Boost:
Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful, nutrient-packed variation. -
Spicy Kick:
Add more smoked paprika or a bit of chili powder for a bold, smoky spice that enhances the cowboy butter flavor.
Each variation keeps the essence of the original recipe while giving you flexibility to match your cravings or what’s available in your pantry.
Common Questions About Cowboy Butter Steak Penne
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne works great because it holds sauce well, but you can easily swap it for rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just stick with pasta shapes that have ridges or a good surface for holding the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead. Cook the steak and sauce, store separately, and toss everything together when ready to serve. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken breast or thigh meat works beautifully. Simply follow the same steps for searing and cooking. The cowboy butter sauce pairs perfectly with chicken’s mild flavor.
How can I make it lighter?
For a lighter version, reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and use extra broth to keep the sauce smooth. You can also add more spinach and tomatoes for a veggie-forward dish.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default—it’s mild and buttery with a smoky undertone from paprika. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste.
Why It’s a Must-Try
Cowboy Butter Steak Penne with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that brings together everything you love about comfort food. It’s hearty yet balanced, buttery yet fresh, and indulgent without being complicated.
From the juicy seared steak to the garlicky, buttery sauce coating every piece of pasta, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and comes together in under an hour.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night at home, or a small gathering of friends, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table. It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients—when paired with the right touch of cowboy-inspired flavor—can create something truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cowboy Butter Steak Penne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sear the steak, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the steak and pasta, and toss everything together until warm and creamy. This method helps preserve the texture of the steak and keeps the pasta from becoming soggy.
2. What kind of steak works best for this recipe?
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are perfect because they stay juicy and flavorful when seared quickly. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round steak unless you marinate them beforehand, as they can become chewy when cooked fast over high heat.
3. Can I make this recipe without spinach or tomatoes?
Absolutely. While the spinach and cherry tomatoes add freshness and color, you can substitute them with your favorite vegetables—such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets. The cowboy butter sauce complements almost any veggie combination.
4. How can I make the sauce creamier or richer?
For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking. You can also melt in additional butter or a bit more parmesan cheese to thicken and enrich the flavor. Just remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the perfect balance.
Cowboy Butter Steak Penne with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender steak bites and al dente penne come together in a garlicky cowboy butter sauce with fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes. This flavorful skillet meal is rich, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality indulgence.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken or beef broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 3–5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
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Pour in the chicken or beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the grated parmesan until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Return the steak to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and steak.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best results.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley or chives right before serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
