If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of elegance, the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe is your culinary jackpot. Imagine tender, seared steak cubes drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a rich, velvety pepper jack cheese sauce that has just the right kick. This is the kind of recipe that turns any ordinary night into a special occasion, with every bite delivering comfort, warmth, and a little bit of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the extensive list intimidate you; this recipe relies on simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role in crafting this dish’s unforgettable character, from juicy steak bites to creamy, cheesy pasta.
- Sirloin steak or ribeye (1 lb): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful steak bites that sear beautifully.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Essential for high-heat cooking and adding a subtle fruity base note.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Creates a rich, silky sauce that amplifies the garlic’s aroma.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The fragrant backbone of this dish, infusing every bite with savory depth.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds an herbal brightness that lifts the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Absolute must-haves to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Deepens the steak’s savory complexity with umami notes.
- Pasta (8 oz, your choice): The perfect canvas—penne or fettuccine work wonderfully.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Provides decadence and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds a subtle savory foundation to the creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): Gives body and a silky texture to the pepper jack sauce.
- Pepper jack cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): The star cheese that delivers that creamy heat and bold flavor kick.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A smoky whisper that adds dimension without overwhelming.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild herbaceous finish.
How to Make Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Let’s start with the pasta because it’s the base that holds all those luscious sauces and steak bites. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook it until al dente—meaning just firm to the bite—then drain. Be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a magic ingredient that will help you achieve perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering hot, lay down the steak bites so they sizzle immediately. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you get that gorgeous browned crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Remove the steak from the pan and let them rest for a moment.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, toss in minced garlic for about 30 seconds to release that irresistible aroma. If you’re using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and Worcestershire sauce, stir them in now to build layers of herbal and umami flavor. Let the sauce simmer briefly before returning your steak bites to the pan. Stir them well to coat every piece in that sizzling garlic butter. Let everything mingle for a few minutes, then set aside off the heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently as the liquid warms and begins to simmer. Next, whisk in the softened cream cheese until you achieve a smooth, luscious sauce. Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese along with smoked paprika if you’re using it, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into your creamy pepper jack sauce. If it feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your ideal silky consistency. Mix gently so each strand or piece of pasta is luxuriously coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Plate your creamy pepper jack pasta, then crown it generously with those sizzling garlic butter steak bites. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a mild herbal lift that balances the rich, cheesy flavors. If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding extra shredded pepper jack or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables takes the meal to the next level. Something light and fresh complements the richness perfectly and rounds out your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the steak bites on small skewers atop the pasta for a more elegant presentation. Or, try layering the pasta in individual bowls topped with the garlic butter steak bites and a delicate drizzle of extra sauce for wow-worthy plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Separate the steak bites and pasta in freezer-safe containers for optimal texture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving too aggressively to preserve the steak’s tender texture and prevent the cheese sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are best for tenderness and flavor, you can use flank or strip steak as long as you cut the pieces small and don’t overcook them.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or any sturdy pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce works well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand!
Is the pepper jack cheese very spicy?
Pepper jack has a mild to moderate spicy kick balanced by creamy texture. If you prefer less heat, you can substitute with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based cream and cheese substitute. The flavor will differ, but you’ll still get a delightful creamy texture.
How do I prevent the steak bites from becoming tough?
Be sure to sear the steak quickly over high heat, cooking just until browned outside and still tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a proper sear.
Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet accessible, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night. With its harmonious blend of juicy steak, fragrant garlic butter, and a rich, spicy cheese sauce, every forkful is pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new favorite go-to comfort food!
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Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A mouthwatering dish featuring tender, seared garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy, spicy pepper jack cheese pasta. Perfectly cooked steak cubes simmered in a fragrant garlic butter sauce are served atop luscious pasta coated in a rich and smooth pepper jack cheese sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
For the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth of flavor)
For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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 the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat Oil for Steak Bites: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the steak cubes.
- Season Steak: Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear Steak Bites: Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a browned, crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
- Remove Steak: Transfer the seared steak bites to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and incorporate steak flavors.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Herbs and Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional minute to develop depth.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter: Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Let them sizzle for a few minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce Base: In a separate large saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat to start the pasta sauce.
- Sauté Garlic for Sauce: Add minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for approximately 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until it melts completely and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Paprika: Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese along with smoked paprika (if using). Continue stirring until cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, approximately 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy pepper jack sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the rich sauce.
- Plate the Dish: Serve the creamy pepper jack pasta on plates, topping each serving with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish: Finish with freshly chopped parsley and additional pepper jack cheese if desired for a vibrant and cheesy presentation.
Notes
- For best steak flavor, use ribeye or sirloin cut.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness for a perfect creamy texture.
- Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs are optional but add great depth to the steak bites.
- Use any favorite pasta shape based on preference—penne, fettuccine, or others work well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as cheese and broth can vary in saltiness.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
