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
Scale
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.
