Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne in Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Lower the heat and add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss in the penne, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for extra silkiness if needed.
3. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Lower heat, add 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic, and toss the steak in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes, spooning the butter over for flavor.
4. Plate the cheesy penne on one side and the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the steak and garnish both with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: \~860 per serving