Description
This delicious recipe combines tender steak bites with rotini pasta tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfectly seasoned and cooked with simple ingredients, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- Salt, for boiling the pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Season the bite-sized steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce and toss until pasta is evenly coated.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and gently mix to combine with the pasta and sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the steak bites and rotini garlic Parmesan sauce among plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother melting.
- You can swap rotini with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing steak for best browning results.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
