Description
This Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta combines tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection in garlic butter with a luscious, cheesy Pepper Jack and Parmesan pasta sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty American main course blends bold flavors with creamy textures, offering a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The dish is adaptable for gluten-free diets and can be enhanced with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare and Season Steak: While the pasta cooks, pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter to fully coat the meat.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the thickened sauce. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss gently to ensure the pasta is fully coated in creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pepper jack pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Substitute Pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor.
- For added nutrition and flavor, stir in sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers into the pasta before serving.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and pasta.
