Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

Tender garlic butter steak bites dance alongside creamy pepper jack pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Juicy meat morsels nestle perfectly against silky, rich noodles in this quick weeknight dinner.

Bold pepper jack cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, coating each pasta strand with incredible depth.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum impact, proving sophisticated meals don’t require complicated techniques.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality dish without stress or complex skills.

Simple pantry staples transform into an elegant meal that impresses without effort.

One forkful promises pure culinary bliss that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Alternative Versions of Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace Pepper Jack with pepper jack and add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap smoked paprika for fresh oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean profile.
• Ranch-Style Comfort: Mix in ranch seasoning to the pasta sauce, top with crispy bacon bits, and sprinkle green onions for a classic ranch-inspired variation.
• Truffle Luxury Edition: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish, use wild mushroom blend with the steak, and incorporate truffle-infused Parmesan for an elegant gourmet experience.

What Goes Well With Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory steak bites and creamy pepper jack pasta.
• Create Refreshing Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, highlighting the smoky paprika notes in the dish while providing a smooth, warming contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Design Veggie Side Harmony: Prepare roasted asparagus with garlic and lemon zest to add a bright, crisp element that cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese sauce.
• Craft Bread Accent: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbed butter to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender steak bites.

Proper Storage of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate steak and pasta to prevent soggy textures. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Transfer creamy pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing steak to maintain quality.

Warm in microwave with splash of milk, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding extra cream to restore creaminess.

Gently warm in skillet over low heat with small butter pat. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. Heat just until warmed through, approximately 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak. Just ensure the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked to your preferred doneness.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning or mix some hot sauce into the cheese sauce for extra heat.

• Can I substitute the cheese if I don't have Pepper Jack?

You can replace Pepper Jack with monterey jack, provolone, or add a bit of sharp cheddar for similar flavor and creaminess.

• How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

Cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and don’t overcook. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the most tender result.

Why Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites Are Popular

• Savor Quick Culinary Magic: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Master Flavor-Packed Performance: Bold seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic create an explosive taste experience that elevates simple steak and pasta.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining tender steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta makes this dish a guaranteed hit for family dinners and casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible cooking techniques allow you to adjust meat doneness and cheese intensity to match personal preferences, making it adaptable for different palates.

Ingredients List for Steak Bites and Pepper Jack Pasta

• Steak Bites: Tender, juicy beef pieces that form the main protein of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the steak.
• Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the meat.

• Penne Pasta: Tube-shaped pasta that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich ingredients that help with cooking and add a luxurious flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Blend of cheeses that create a creamy, tangy, and flavorful sauce.

• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent and savory flavor to both the steak and pasta components.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a golden cooking base.

Step 2: Season the Steak

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme

Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Carefully place steak pieces into the hot skillet, working in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant oils and enhancing the steak’s flavor.

Step 5: Set Aside Steak

Remove steak bites from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.

Step 6: Boil the Pasta

Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Create Cheese Sauce Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Stir for one minute to develop deep flavors.

Step 8: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked penne into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the cheesy pasta and top with the sizzling steak bites. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Helpful Notes to Perfect Steak Bites and Pasta

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing steak bites to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden-brown crust and cooks evenly.
• Shred the Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese yourself for a smoother, more consistent sauce that melts more evenly than pre-shredded options.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to help thin out the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky and clingy texture.
• Toast the dried herbs and spices briefly in butter before adding steak to intensify their flavors and create a more aromatic dish.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and prevent dryness, ensuring tender and flavorful meat bites.

Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter steak bites mingle with creamy pepper jack pasta in this irresistible culinary symphony. Rich flavors dance together, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights taste buds with every perfect bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare steak by cutting into bite-sized pieces, patting dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing.
2. Season meat generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, ensuring even coating.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
4. Carefully place steak pieces into hot skillet, allowing space between each piece to prevent steaming.
5. Sear meat for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden-brown crust and achieving desired doneness.
6. Add minced garlic during the final minute of cooking, stirring to prevent burning and infuse intense flavor.
7. Transfer seared steak bites to a plate, letting them rest while preparing the pasta sauce.
8. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, following package timing recommendations.
9. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in garlic powder and smoked paprika to create an aromatic base.
10. Pour heavy cream into the butter mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer and stirring continuously.
11. Gradually incorporate Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
12. Drain pasta and fold into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
13. Gently fold seared steak bites into the cheesy pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
14. Serve immediately while sauce and steak remain warm and inviting.

Notes

• Ensure the skillet is searing hot before adding steak to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in those juicy flavors.
• Cut steak into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a professional presentation that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Gruyère to customize the pasta’s flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
• 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, ensuring perfectly cooked meat every single time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 900 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 70 g
• Saturated Fat: 35 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg