If you are craving a meal that is bursting with bold flavors and comforting creaminess, let me introduce you to the magical world of the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy steak cubes perfectly seared in garlic butter with a dreamy, spicy pepper jack cheese pasta sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. It is the kind of meal that feels self-indulgent without any fuss, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with your loved ones. The contrasting textures and layers of flavor will have you coming back for seconds and absolutely savoring every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish on the table is easier than you might think because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential in creating that irresistible flavor combo. Each component plays its part—from the rich butter lending silkiness to the pasta, to the aromatic garlic and fresh herbs elevating the steak bites into something truly special.
- Sirloin steak or ribeye (1 lb): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender steak bites that sear beautifully.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a lovely base for searing the steak and starting the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Adds richness and a luscious buttery flavor to both the steak and pasta sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses both components with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A subtle herby note that complements the steak perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Crucial for seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds depth and a mild tang to the steak bites.
- Pasta (8 oz): Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type to carry the creamy pepper jack sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Gives the pasta sauce its signature creaminess and smooth texture.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Balances the cream and adds savory complexity to the sauce.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): Melts into the sauce for extra silkiness and a slight tang.
- Pepper jack cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Brings a perfect blend of creaminess and spicy kick to the pasta.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise with a fresh pop of green.
How to Make Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente is key because it will finish cooking slightly when tossed with the rich sauce later, ensuring perfect texture and bite.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
While your pasta bubbles away, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Place the cubes in a single layer and let them brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to get the best crust. This sizzling sear locks in all the juices and flavor you want in those steak bites.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce for Steak
Remove the steak from the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter, minced garlic, and if you’re using it, fresh rosemary or thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let the butter bubble up, mixing all that garlic goodness into a fragrant sauce that your steak bites will swim in shortly.
Step 4: Toss the Steak Bites in Butter Sauce
Return the steak to the pan, tossing them around in the garlic butter so each piece gets beautifully coated. Let them sit for a few minutes on low heat to soak up all those wonderful flavors before removing the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until just fragrant, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer, setting the stage for the creamy, spicy sauce.
Step 6: Enrich the Sauce
Whisk in softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese and smoked paprika if you’re using it, then keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a sumptuous consistency.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add your drained pasta to the luscious sauce and toss well to coat every strand or piece with the creamy pepper jack goodness. If it feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water helps adjust to your perfect sauce texture.
Step 8: Plate and Finish
Serve the creamy pepper jack pasta on individual plates and crown each portion with those sizzling garlic butter steak bites. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh flavor balance that will brighten this hearty dish.
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here for a vibrant, fresh touch. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded pepper jack cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick. For a pop of color and slight crunch, toasted pine nuts or thinly sliced green onions work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are great options that add both texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and arrange the steak bites artistically on top. Drizzle a little sauce around the edges for a restaurant-style look. If you want to wow a special someone, plate the steak bites over a bed of pasta nests for a neat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover steak bites and creamy pepper jack pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps preserve the steak’s texture and the creaminess of the sauce.
Freezing
While the creamy pasta might lose some texture after freezing, you can freeze the cooked steak bites alone for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to avoid drying out. For best results, make the sauce and pasta fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta sauce gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth, stirring often to bring back its creamy texture. Warm the steak bites separately in a hot skillet for just a few minutes to retain juiciness and crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper jack?
Absolutely! While pepper jack gives this dish its signature spicy creaminess, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even gouda for a different but equally delicious twist.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the steak and add hearty mushrooms or grilled vegetables in its place; they soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully and pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving, and cook the steak bites fresh for the best seared flavor and texture.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni catch the sauce well, but long noodles such as fettuccine or linguine also work wonderfully if you prefer a more classic creamy pasta experience.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with dairy-free margarine, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and look for a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still delicious in its own right.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in every bite—rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you want a crowd-pleaser for dinner or just a special treat for yourself, this recipe will become a go-to you reach for time and again. Give it a try and watch it quickly work its way into your list of all-time favorites!
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Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe features tender, sizzling garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy pepper jack pasta, delivering a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. The juicy steak bites are seared to perfection in a garlic and herb butter sauce, while the pasta is coated in a luscious creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat the Skillet: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the Steak: Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper evenly.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
- Remove Steak: Take the steak bites out of the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter.
- Sauté Garlic: Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme and Worcestershire sauce, letting it simmer for another minute.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Let them sizzle for a few minutes until heated through and well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Pasta Sauce Base: In a large saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic for Sauce: Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Melt Pepper Jack Cheese: Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese and smoked paprika, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pepper jack pasta and top with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra pepper jack cheese over the dish before serving.
Notes
- Use ribeye for a richer flavor or sirloin for a leaner option.
- Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs are optional but add extra depth to the garlic butter sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the cream sauce for better texture and consistency.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pasta sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste, as steak bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
