Description
Tender garlic butter steak bites paired with spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta, making for a flavorful and comforting meal with a bit of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the steak cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to sear, then turn them to brown all sides, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 3-4 minutes to thicken. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the cooked steak bites and any juices from the steak. Stir to combine everything.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan cheese for added indulgence.
Notes
- For added spice, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the steak seasoning or the Cajun seasoning in the sauce.
- Use any twisted pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, for best texture.
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a combination of paprika, cayenne, and thyme can be used as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg