Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta 😋
Fast enough for weeknights, fancy enough for date night.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp each salt & black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley & lemon wedges (optional)
Cajun Alfredo
- 12 oz rotini (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, extra creamy)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Time & Yield
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 25 min
- Total: 40 min
- Serves: 4
Tips
- Pat steak very dry for best sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Salt to taste—Cajun seasoning and Parmesan both add saltiness.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veg.
Directions
- Boil Pasta: Cook rotini in salted water to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
- Season Steak: Toss steak with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in batches 2–3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
- Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Return steak and toss briefly. Transfer steak to a warm plate; tent with foil.
- Make Alfredo: In the same skillet add remaining 2 tbsp butter, Cajun seasoning, cream, and broth. Simmer 2–3 min. Stir in Parmesan (and cream cheese, if using) until smooth; thin with pasta water as needed.
- Combine: Toss pasta with the Cajun Alfredo until glossy. Top with steak bites, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
