Description
Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed dinner that combines tender, seared steak bites drenched in garlic butter with a spicy, cheesy pepper jack cream sauce over pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and ready in under an hour—perfect for weeknights or date-night meals at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the steak bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season the steak: While the pasta cooks, season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss steak in garlic butter: Return the steak bites to the pan and toss in the garlic butter to coat.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add cheeses and seasoning: Add pepper jack and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pepper jack pasta and top with sizzling garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in olive oil, garlic, and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use rotini or fettuccine instead of penne for a different pasta texture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Searing
- Cuisine: American
