Description
This hearty and delicious recipe features tender sirloin or ribeye steak bites seared to perfection and served alongside cheesy rotini pasta tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. With a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until just shy of al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Steak: Pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse a smoky flavor.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely seared and browned.
- Finish Cooking Steak: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Toss the steak bites to coat them in the aromatic butter and spice mixture, then remove the skillet from heat and let the steak rest.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a clean skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release its aroma.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and Adjust Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired for extra heat. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the preferred consistency for the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy rotini and arrange steak bites on top or on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for best steak searing results.
- Patting the steak dry before cooking helps achieve a better crust.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen and enhance the sauce’s texture.
- Adjust chili flakes to control the spiciness level.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain juices and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
