Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
Indulge in this easy and comforting garlic butter steak bites paired with rich and spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch bites Sirloin is lean but flavorful; ribeye gets you extra tenderness and marbling.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Always opt for extra virgin for that subtle, fruity taste.
- 3 tbsp butter Salted or unsalted both work; salted butter boosts flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Extra fresh, please! Pre-minced is fine in a pinch, but nothing beats the real stuff.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste; homemade or store-bought work.
- 1/2 tsp paprika Adds color and sweet earthiness; smoked paprika is amazing too.
- Salt to taste salt
- Black pepper to taste black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) Twisted pasta clings to the Alfredo sauce—perfection!
- 1.5 cups heavy cream The creamier, the better for that luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts smoother than the pre-shredded kind.
For Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions Brightens everything up; don’t skip!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your twisted pasta and cook until just al dente—think bouncy, not mushy! Drain and set by your stove.
Sear the Steak Bites
- Season steak cubes with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in batches—2–3 minutes per side for that golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Rest the steak on a plate to keep them juicy.
Make the Garlic Butter
- Drop the heat to medium. Add the butter. Once bubbly, swirl in the minced garlic and gently sauté for about a minute.
Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens up a bit. Add Parmesan and stir gently—it melts fast, so don’t wander off!
Toss the Pasta
- Add the drained twisted pasta to your saucy skillet. Toss everything together, coating every spiral with creamy Cajun Alfredo goodness.
Return Steak Bites
- Slip those golden steak bites (and any juices!) back into the skillet. Stir to combine and let everything get friendly on low heat for a minute.
Serve It Up
- Dish it out hot and finish with chopped parsley or green onions. If you like, pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
Pat your steak bites dry before seasoning for better browning. Searing on a preheated skillet is key for caramelization. If your Alfredo sauce seems too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can bring it right back.