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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
