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