Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Servings: 4–6

Introduction

Craving something bold, creamy, spicy, and downright irresistible? Look no further than this dynamic duo: Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta. This high-impact, restaurant-quality dish fuses savory, juicy steak bites with a rich and spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce tossed into twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) for maximum flavor and texture.

Whether you’re planning a date night, want to impress your guests, or just need to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—exactly the kind of meal that turns heads when it hits the table.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta:

• 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup whole milk (or use all cream for extra richness)

• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or cast iron pan

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Strainer/colander

• Knife and cutting board

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Tongs

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Pat them dry with paper towels—moisture prevents proper searing. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cooking the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.

Remove the cooked steak from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—do not burn the garlic.

Return the steak bites to the pan and toss in the garlic butter for about 1 minute to coat and warm through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Making the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In a separate large skillet (or reuse the pasta pot if needed), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir gently and bring to a low simmer. Add Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, adjusting to your spice preference.

Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavor.

Plating and Serving

Divide the creamy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta among serving plates or bowls. Top each plate with generous spoonfuls of garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any extra garlic butter over the top for added richness.

Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and if desired, sprinkle a touch more Parmesan or red chili flakes on top for extra kick.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality steak: Sirloin is great, but ribeye or NY strip will make it even more indulgent.

• Don’t overcook the steak: Quick searing is all you need. Overcooking will make the meat tough.

• Grate your own cheese: Fresh Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese, giving the sauce a smoother texture.

• Control the heat: You can dial up the spice with more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes—or dial it down for milder palates.

• Toss just before serving: This keeps the steak juicy and the pasta creamy.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Protein swap: Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a lighter or seafood version.

• Veggie add-ins: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed into the sauce for more nutrition.

• Cheesy upgrade: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Low-carb option: Serve over zoodles or steamed broccoli instead of pasta.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Based on 1 of 6 servings, using sirloin steak and heavy cream.

• Calories: ~750 kcal

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 45g

• Saturated Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 3g

• Sodium: 780mg

• Cholesterol: 160mg

This meal is rich in protein and healthy fats, with enough carbohydrates to fuel your day. To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce butter quantity.

Recipe Intensities

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Big flavors, fast cooking: Juicy steak and spicy Alfredo sauce come together in under an hour.

• Perfect texture combo: Creamy pasta meets buttery steak—what more could you ask for?

• Crowd-pleaser: It’s elegant enough for date night and indulgent enough for comfort food cravings.

• Customizable: Spice, cheese, protein—you’re in control.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the steak and pasta separately, though cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta recipe is bold, comforting, and indulgent—the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It fuses Southern-inspired spice with creamy Italian richness, tied together with juicy, garlic-slicked steak bites.