If you’ve ever wanted a restaurant-style pasta night at home, this Spicy Vodka Rigatoni with Ribeye Steak is the one.It’s bold, creamy, a little fiery, and everything you’d want in a comfort meal that still feels elevated. The perfectly seared ribeye gives it that rich, meaty bite, while the sauce clings beautifully to every ridged noodle for a flavor-packed experience in every forkful.

Most spicy vodka pastas use heavy cream, but I swapped it for Milk50, which has more protein and fewer calories than traditional cream. It still gives the sauce that silky, creamy texture we all love, but it feels lighter — the kind of meal that hits the “cozy and indulgent” craving without being too heavy. The result? A creamy, spicy sauce that coats the pasta like velvet and pairs perfectly with tender pieces of juicy steak.

Now, let’s talk about the vodka. It might sound like an odd ingredient for pasta, but there’s a real reason it’s in there. Vodka helps emulsify and balance the tomato base with the fats in the sauce, making everything smoother and more cohesive. Don’t worry — you won’t taste any alcohol once it cooks down. What’s left behind is just this deep, savory note that makes the sauce taste like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

The star of this dish (besides the steak) is that signature spicy kick. You can use crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil to bring the heat. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, a little heat, and the umami from the seared ribeye is absolute perfection. It’s rich, but not overwhelming — the kind of balance that keeps you going back for another bite.

If you’ve made my other spicy recipes, you know I love playing with texture and flavor. The ribeye adds a layer of buttery tenderness that makes this pasta next-level. You can even swap it for chicken or shrimp if you’re looking for something lighter, but I’ll be honest — the ribeye just makes it feel extra special, like a date-night-in kind of dish.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone you love, this Spicy Vodka Rigatoni with Ribeye Steak is pure comfort food with a little edge. It’s got that creamy texture, that subtle spice, and that “wow” factor that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, with the Milk50 swap, you can feel good knowing it’s a lighter, high-protein version of a classic indulgent pasta — the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.