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
Scale
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
