Get ready to indulge in a dish that combines the juicy tenderness of steak with the creamy, spicy goodness of a rich pepper jack pasta. Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a flavor-packed meal that will have you coming back for more. Picture the sizzle of steak bites sizzling in garlic butter, served alongside a creamy, cheesy pasta that has just the right amount of kick. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and irresistible textures that’ll make you feel like a top chef in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
Flavor Explosion
The combination of perfectly seared steak bites coated in garlic butter and a creamy, cheesy pepper jack pasta will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. The savory garlic butter melds beautifully with the richness of the steak, while the creamy pasta gives you just the right amount of heat. It’s a match made in food heaven!
Hearty and Satisfying
This dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. With tender steak bites paired with a rich, creamy pasta, you’ve got the perfect balance of protein and carbs to fuel your day.
Quick and Easy
Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this recipe is super easy to make! The steak bites cook up quickly, and the creamy pepper jack pasta comes together in no time. You’ll have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special weekend dinner.
Customizable
Love things spicy? Add more pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Want it milder? Use a different cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to tweak it to your taste.
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Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- Sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Garlic (minced)
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
- Pepper jack cheese (shredded)
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Once the steak bites are done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the steak to soak up all that delicious flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce
In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy pepper jack sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is silky smooth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the creamy pepper jack pasta on a plate or in a bowl, topped with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with more fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra pepper jack cheese for that cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 700
Total Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 900mg
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin A: 25% DV
Calcium: 30% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:
Roasted Vegetables
Pair your pasta and steak bites with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. The savory veggies will balance out the richness of the dish.
Fresh Salad
A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the creamy richness of the pasta and steak.
Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce. Toasted and buttery, it’s the perfect complement to this dish.
Extra Cheese
For the ultimate cheesy experience, sprinkle some extra shredded pepper jack or Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. The more cheese, the better!
Additional Tips
- Meat Alternatives: If you don’t have steak, try this recipe with chicken breast or shrimp for a different twist.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make the dish even more hearty and colorful.
- Make It Spicy: Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce or even toss in some diced jalapeños with the steak bites.
- Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak and pasta separately to keep them fresh.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the creamy sauce?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have pepper jack cheese, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a creamy and delicious sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the steak bites and pasta separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just reheat the steak in the garlic butter sauce before serving.
Q3: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A3: To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a little longer, or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to create a slurry.
Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Yes! You can replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or another plant-based protein. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q5: Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
A5: Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly with this creamy sauce, so feel free to use your favorite gluten-free option.
Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add extra red pepper flakes or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy pepper jack sauce for a more intense kick.
Q7: What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
A7: While any pasta works, penne or fettuccine are particularly great choices for this creamy sauce. They hold the sauce well and offer a nice bite.
Q8: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A8: Yes! If you prefer, you can use ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just be sure to cook it to your preferred doneness.
Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Reheat the steak and pasta separately. The steak can be reheated in a skillet over low heat with a little butter, and the pasta can be warmed gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A10: Yes! Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and texture. They’ll pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and steak.
Conclusion
Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is the kind of dish that makes every bite feel indulgent and comforting. The tender steak, garlic butter, and creamy pepper jack sauce come together to create a meal that’s both hearty and rich in flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or just craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every sizzling bite!
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Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
- Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together perfectly seared steak bites with a rich, creamy pasta infused with spicy pepper jack cheese. It’s a dish that combines comfort food with a touch of indulgence, perfect for any special occasion or dinner at home.
Ingredients
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For the Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
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1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth of flavor)
For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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2 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
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1. Cook the Pasta:
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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.
2. Sear the Steak Bites:
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While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper.
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Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
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Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
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Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Optional: Add the fresh rosemary or thyme and Worcestershire sauce, then stir everything together. Let it simmer for an additional minute.
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Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Let them sizzle in the butter for a few minutes until well-coated and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Sauce:
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the cream cheese and whisk until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and smoked paprika (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Combine and Serve:
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Add the cooked pasta to the creamy pepper jack sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
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Serve the creamy pepper jack pasta on plates, topped with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra pepper jack cheese if desired.
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Notes
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Steak Choices: You can use ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for the steak bites. Ribeye will provide the most tenderness and flavor due to its marbling.
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Make it Spicy: If you like a little extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
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Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier texture, you can add a little more cream cheese or substitute some of the chicken broth for additional heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg