If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold, buttery steak and luscious, cheesy pasta, let me introduce you to Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. This recipe is a showstopper every time I make it for friends or family—think juicy steak bites sizzled in garlicky butter, then paired with a dreamy, peppery cheese sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners.

Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta recipe plays a starring role, from the tender steak to the zesty cheese sauce. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a few little tips to make each one shine!

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Choose ribeye for richness or sirloin for a leaner bite—cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure quick, even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is the backbone of both the steak’s sizzle and the creamy pasta sauce—don’t skimp!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the steak with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Olive Oil: Gives the steak bites a golden sear and prevents sticking in the pan.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of both the steak and the cheese sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite to balance the richness.
Paprika: Lends a touch of smoky warmth and beautiful color to the steak bites.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh and vibrant; perfect for garnish and a pop of green.
Penne or Pasta of Choice: Penne is classic, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to silky perfection.
Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce—whole milk gives the best texture.
Pepper Jack Cheese: The star of the sauce, giving it a peppery kick and creamy melt.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty note that deepens the flavor of the sauce.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust at the end so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it until just al dente—this ensures it holds up beautifully under all that creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you want it ready and waiting for its cheesy bath!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly, and let it gently simmer until it starts to thicken—about 3 to 5 minutes. Now comes the magic: stir in the shredded pepper jack and Parmesan cheese until everything is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Pat the steak cubes dry (this helps them brown beautifully) and toss them with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until you see a gorgeous crust and your desired doneness. Work in batches if you need to.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything together, letting the butter melt and the garlic become fragrant without burning. The steak bites will soak up all that garlicky, buttery goodness, making them impossibly delicious.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To finish your Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta, plate the pasta first, then spoon the steak bites and their buttery juices over the top. Drizzle on any extra garlic butter from the pan and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Garnishes

This dish begs for a final flourish: freshly chopped parsley adds vibrant color, but you could also sprinkle on a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra grated Parmesan for a little extra kick and richness. A squeeze of lemon over the steak bites can also brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

While Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a meal in itself, it pairs well with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus or broccoli, or even a warm, crusty baguette to mop up any leftover sauce. Keep the sides light and fresh to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this meal extra special, serve the pasta and steak bites family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in. For a fancier touch, use individual bowls and twirl the pasta into a nest before topping with the steak bites and sauce. You can even serve the steak on skewers over the pasta for a fun, interactive twist at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and become even more delicious, making for a crave-worthy lunch the next day.

Freezing

While the steak bites themselves freeze quite well, creamy cheese sauces can sometimes become grainy after freezing. If you do want to freeze, store the steak and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months, and be prepared to whisk the sauce back to life with a splash of milk or broth during reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta and steak bites in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth and stir gently until everything is heated through and creamy again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the steak tough and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta?

Absolutely! Ribeye gives the richest, most buttery flavor, but sirloin is a fantastic, leaner option. Even strip steak or tenderloin would work beautifully—just make sure to cut everything into even cubes for best results.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

You sure can. Try tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added color and nutrients. Just fold them into the pasta before topping with the steak bites.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne over the steak before cooking. Pepper jack already brings a little heat, but you can definitely turn it up a notch.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?

The key is to cook them quickly over high heat in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes per side, then finish with the garlic butter. This gives you steak bites that are juicy inside and perfectly caramelized outside.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy, you can’t go wrong with Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent—the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile. Give it a try and make it your new go-to for a special night in!

Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savor this mouthwatering Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy Pepper Jack Pasta. Juicy seared steak cubes infused with rich garlic butter meet a luscious pasta in a pepper jack and Parmesan cheese sauce, delivering a comforting yet elegant meal ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Bites:

1 1/2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:

8 oz penne or pasta of choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and continuously stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
Cook the Steak Bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently so the steak bites become coated in the fragrant garlic butter. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic.
Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pepper jack pasta first, then top with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the pan over the steak and pasta. Garnish generously with chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For an extra kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the creamy pasta sauce while cooking.
Ribeye steak adds the richest, juiciest flavor, but sirloin is a leaner option that also works well.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to keep the pasta creamy.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American