Garlic Butter Steak Bites Over Creamy Pepper Jack Penne
Creamy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, this dish combines sizzling steak bites tossed in garlic butter over a luxuriously creamy Pepper Jack penne.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- 3 tbsp Butter Room temperature or softened.
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt Divided as needed.
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper Divided as needed.
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder Divided as needed.
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika Divided as needed.
- 0.5 tsp Dried thyme
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for garnish.
- 2 tbsp Butter For the sauce.
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika For the sauce.
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder For the sauce.
- 0.5 tsp Salt For the sauce.
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper For the sauce.
Instructions
- 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
- 2. While the pasta cooks, pat the steak bites dry with a paper towel. Season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
- 3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each piece about 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and caramelized. Remove seared steak to a plate and keep warm.
- 4. Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp butter to the pan along with the minced garlic. Stir and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant, coating the steak bites in garlic butter. Return steak to the pan briefly to absorb flavor, then remove from heat and set aside.
- 5. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Pour in the 2 cups heavy cream and bring to a low simmer, watching carefully so it doesn’t boil over.
- 6. Gradually add the Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
- 7. Season the sauce with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 8. Fold the cooked penne into the cheese sauce until every piece is fully coated. Plate the creamy Pepper Jack pasta, then top generously with the sizzling garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
Extra tips or suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread. A light red wine pairs well.