Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Delight 🥩🧄🧀
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible combination of Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. This dish brings together tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection in a garlicky butter sauce, paired with a rich and slightly spicy pepper jack pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds. The contrast between the savory steak and the creamy, cheesy pasta creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply unforgettable.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and textures. The steak bites are cooked to medium-rare perfection, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful, while the pasta is luxuriously creamy with just the right amount of kick from the pepper jack cheese. Whether you’re a steak lover or a pasta enthusiast, this dish delivers the best of both worlds in every bite.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Rich, savory steak with garlic butter notes, paired with creamy, slightly spicy pepper jack pasta.
- Texture: Tender, juicy steak bites contrast beautifully with the smooth, velvety pasta.
- Aroma: The garlic butter sauce and melted cheese create an irresistible, mouthwatering scent.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown steak bites atop creamy pasta make for a stunning presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate—requires multitasking but is manageable with careful timing.
- Special Equipment: Large skillet, pasta pot, and a good-quality chef’s knife for slicing steak.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for home cooks who are comfortable with multitasking. The key is timing—getting the steak bites and pasta ready simultaneously.
- Category: Main course, dinner, comfort food.
- Cuisine: American-inspired with rich, bold flavors.
- Cost: Mid-range—steak and pepper jack cheese are the priciest ingredients, but the dish is worth the splurge.
- Season: Great year-round, but especially comforting in cooler months.
- Occasion: Ideal for date nights, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a flavor explosion that satisfies both steak and pasta cravings in one dish. The steak bites are seared to perfection, locking in juices and coated in a garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural richness. Paired with the creamy, slightly spicy pepper jack pasta, every bite is a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter cheese, or swap out the steak for chicken or shrimp if preferred. The dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a good balance of protein from the steak and carbs from the pasta, making it a satisfying meal. The pepper jack cheese adds a dose of calcium, while the garlic and butter contribute healthy fats that enhance flavor and satiety.
Socially, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or a family meal, it’s sure to impress. The combination of steak and pasta is universally loved, and the presentation is restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Cost-wise, while steak can be pricey, this recipe stretches it by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and pairing it with affordable pasta. The result is a luxurious-tasting meal that won’t break the bank.
The Recipe
Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Return steak bites to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to reheat the steak.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.