Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Penne
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 oz penne pasta
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth. Lower heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss penne into the sauce until coated, adding a splash of pasta water for creaminess if needed.
3. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips 2–3 minutes per side until browned to your liking.
4. Reduce heat slightly, add remaining 3 tbsp butter and the rest of the garlic, and baste the steak in garlic butter for 1–2 minutes, spooning the butter over the meat for rich flavor.
5. Plate the cheesy penne on one side and the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Spoon 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:880 per serving