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)
For the Cheesy Penne:
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 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 the penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth.
Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the drained pasta until fully coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for extra creaminess.
3. Pat the 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 the steak tips in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference.
Reduce heat slightly, add 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic, and toss the steak tips in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the melted butter over the steak while cooking for extra flavor.
4. Arrange the cheesy penne on one side of the plate and the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Spoon extra garlic butter over the steak. Garnish both with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories: 840