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
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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