Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
Oh, my friend, this recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine sizzling steak bites, perfectly golden and juicy, smothered in buttery garlic goodness, paired with a rich, creamy pepper jack pasta that has just the right amount of kick. Trust me, this dish is the one you’ll be dreaming about. It’s the kind of meal that will make your taste buds do a happy dance, and you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this one’s going to be a hit. Get ready for the most mouthwatering, flavorful combination that’s simple to make but totally impressive.
Why You’ll Love Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
This dish is the definition of comfort food with a twist. Here’s why it will quickly become one of your go-to meals:
- Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner with the family or serving it up at a dinner party, this dish is a showstopper. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests.
- Budget-Friendly: No need to break the bank for an unforgettable meal. You’re using everyday ingredients that pack in a ton of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this on the table in no time. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner that feels like a treat.
- Customizable: Love a bit of extra heat? Add more chili flakes. Prefer a milder version? Skip the spicy pepper jack and opt for a creamier cheese. This recipe can be tweaked to fit your taste perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether your dinner guests are picky or adventurous eaters, everyone will love this rich, flavorful dish.

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Ingredients in Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
Let’s break down the simple ingredients that make this dish truly amazing:
- Steak Bites: Tender, juicy pieces of steak that caramelize in a hot pan and soak up all that buttery garlic goodness. The star of the show!
- Garlic Butter: A luscious mix of butter and garlic that will make your entire kitchen smell like heaven.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a perfect spicy kick that balances out the richness of the butter and steak.
- Pasta: A hearty, satisfying pasta that’s going to hold all that creamy sauce just right.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to making the sauce luxuriously smooth and dreamy.
- Parmesan: For that extra cheesy flavor and a bit of saltiness that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of freshness to finish everything off and add color.
(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by heating up a large skillet over medium-high heat. We’re going to sear the steak bites first, so make sure the pan is nice and hot. This ensures that the steak gets that beautiful crispy crust while staying juicy inside.
Cook the Steak Bites:
Add a little oil to the pan, then toss in your steak bites. Let them sear for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same pan (don’t you dare clean it out! We want all that flavor), melt butter over medium heat. Add a few cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The garlic should be golden but not burnt.
Prepare the Pasta Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pepper jack cheese and Parmesan, letting them melt into the cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is when your kitchen will smell like magic, so get ready to dive in.
Combine Everything:
Toss the steak bites back into the skillet, letting them soak up the sauce for a couple of minutes. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Now take a moment to admire your creation—you’ve just made something truly spectacular!
Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the creamy pasta and steak bites onto plates, and serve warm. Trust me, everyone is going to want a second helping!
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
This dish is perfect all on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a simple green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, buttery baguette or garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus make great sides to balance out the meal.
- Wine Pairing: A nice glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak and creamy pasta.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop your steak bites and have your ingredients ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process even quicker!
- Spice It Up: If you like more heat, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes to the pasta sauce for an extra kick.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal.
- Double the Batch: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe! It reheats beautifully.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper jack?
A1: Absolutely! You could use mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar. Just pick a cheese that melts well and suits your taste.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak bites and make the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop to preserve the texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and steak separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! Just be sure to use a large enough pan to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q6: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A6: You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just make sure your seasonings and sauces are also gluten-free.
Q7: What sides go well with this dish?
A7: Some great sides include a green salad, roasted potatoes, or sautéed green beans.
Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: You can lighten it up by using a lighter cream or adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Q9: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A9: A heavy-duty skillet or sauté pan works best to sear the steak and make the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it—Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is the kind of dish that makes every meal feel special. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight treat or serving it at your next get-together, this recipe is bound to impress. So, go ahead and dive into this deliciously satisfying dish, and trust me, you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with those around you—you’ve just created a meal that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious. Happy cooking!
Print
Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with creamy, cheesy Pepper Jack pasta make for an indulgent, flavorful dinner! The tender steak bites are perfectly seasoned and sautéed in butter, while the pasta is enveloped in a rich, creamy, and spicy Pepper Jack sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a comforting meal.
Ingredients
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For the Steak Bites:
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1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
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3 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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2 tbsp butter
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Instructions
Cook the Steak Bites:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
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Season the steak bites with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
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Once the skillet is hot, add steak pieces in batches, cooking until browned and cooked to your liking (about 3-4 minutes per side).
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Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:
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Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
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Add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, cheddar, and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Toss in the cooked penne pasta, stirring to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
Serve:
Plate the creamy Pepper Jack pasta and top with the sizzling steak bites. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the pasta sauce.
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You can substitute the penne pasta with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
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To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cheeses are gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (steak bites and pasta)
- Calories: 820 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg