Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring succulent steak bites seared to perfection and served alongside creamy, cheesy rotini pasta tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe combines bold flavors and tender textures for a satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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 the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry using paper towels, then season evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- 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 sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Add aromatics to 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 flavorful mixture. Remove from heat and let the steak rest.
- Sauté garlic for the sauce: In a clean skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it.
- Create the sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season and adjust sauce consistency: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Add the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce thickness and smooth texture.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy rotini pasta and top or serve alongside the steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful steak bites.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency while adding a bit of starch for binding.
- You can adjust the heat level of the dish by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes and chili flakes.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone before finishing in the sauce for perfect texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier sauce compared to pre-grated options.
