If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that brings steakhouse flair right into your own kitchen, look no further than this r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines sizzling garlic butter steak bites and twirls of creamy, cheesy, pepper-flecked pasta. This dish is one of those rare recipes that feels luxurious but comes together in under an hour. Each bite offers juicy seared steak nestled atop rich, spicy pepper jack sauce, guaranteeing smiles around the table and seconds for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What really sets r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta apart is how perfectly balanced each ingredient is—there’s not an ounce of fluff here! Every item in this lineup does double-duty for taste, texture, or color, so gather these staples and get ready for a truly memorable meal.

Sirloin steak: Tender, juicy, and budget-friendly—cubes of sirloin bring steakhouse vibes to this pasta.
Olive oil: Helps the steak get that irresistible seared crust without burning the butter.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor to both the garlic steak bites and the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Five cloves bring bold, aromatic magic—don’t skimp!
Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth to the steak for extra depth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both steak and pasta—taste as you go!
Black pepper: Gives both the steak bites and sauce a gentle kick.
Penne or rigatoni pasta: Sturdy shapes that hold onto every drop of creamy sauce and bites of steak.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without making it heavy or gluey.
Whole milk: The backbone of the sauce, keeping things light and creamy.
Heavy cream: For that over-the-top luscious texture that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts quickly and brings gentle heat and a cheesy pull—you’ll crave this in every bite.
Parmesan cheese: A little salty tang for complexity in the creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love extra spice, sprinkle to taste!
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the whole plate and makes it pop visually.

How to Make r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your pasta—whether penne or rigatoni, whichever you prefer. Cook just until it’s al dente, about a minute or two less than the package’s suggested time. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and let it hang out while you cook up the steak and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Bites

Pop your steak cubes into a mixing bowl and toss them with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until each piece is well-coated. Heat up the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter together in a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. When everything’s shimmering, add steak in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Let the pieces brown undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Sear until they’re golden and cooked to your preferred doneness, then scoop the steak bites onto a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (yes, keep all those tasty bits!), lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s aromatic but not browned—you want that mellow, sweet garlic flavor. Sprinkle the flour right over those buttery, garlicky bits, then whisk enthusiastically for a minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Sauce

With the skillet still on medium heat, start to slowly whisk in the whole milk, followed by the heavy cream. Whisk constantly, turning everything smooth and watching the mixture thicken up slightly, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Now lower the heat and add in the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and saucy. If it thickens a bit too much, splash in some reserved pasta water until you get your dream creamy consistency.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish with Steak Bites

Pour your cooked pasta right into the pan of molten cheese goodness. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point, then toss until each tube of pasta is cloaked in sauce. Arrange those irresistible garlic butter steak bites over the top, letting their juices mingle with the pasta. Just before serving, scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley to brighten up the plate.

How to Serve r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Garnishes

To really make your r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta stand out, finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe a few extra shavings of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. A touch more black pepper or red pepper flakes adds a final whisper of heat and color, making every plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Since this is a decadent, hearty main, it pairs perfectly with something light and fresh. Try serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a side of roasted or steamed veggies. For a comforting, complete meal, some warm crusty bread to mop up leftover sauce is never a bad idea!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta family-style in a giant bowl at the center of the table for a wow-factor, or plate individual servings and pile steak bites high for dramatic effect. For a casual gathering, you could even offer the pasta in little cups or bowls at a buffet, letting guests top their own with steak, cheese, and parsley as they wish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, perfect for lunch the next day or a speedy dinner shortcut.

Freezing

While cooked steak and cheese sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions if needed. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Just be aware the sauce might separate a bit; a good stir and splash of milk during reheating works wonders.

Reheating

For best results, reheat r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed and stir frequently. You can also use the microwave—just heat in short bursts and mix in between for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef if I don’t have sirloin?

Absolutely! Ribeye or New York strip work beautifully for r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. Even flank steak is great if you slice it small and across the grain for tenderness.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. Just use mozzarella instead of pepper jack for a milder pasta, and skip the red pepper flakes. The result is every bit as creamy, just minus the heat.

Can I prepare part of this dinner ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep each component up to two days ahead. Cook the pasta, make the steak bites, and prepare the sauce, but keep them separate until mealtime for the freshest flavor and best texture.

What’s the best way to make sure the steak stays tender?

Give the steak plenty of time to rest after searing and don’t overcook! For even more flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak cubes for 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce before cooking.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Double all the ingredients, but cook the steak in batches so you still get that gorgeous sear on each cube. It’s a showstopper at any potluck or big family dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you love hearty, big-flavor dinners that still feel a little special, give r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s cozy, a little bit fancy, and guaranteed to win fans every time you serve it—don’t forget to savor that creamy sauce and those irresistible steak bites with every forkful!

r Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tender sirloin steak bites seasoned with garlic butter served over creamy pepper jack pasta, creating a decadent and satisfying meal loaded with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Bites:

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta:

1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Season and Sear Steak: Season steak cubes and sear in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, add flour, then whisk in milk and cream until thickened.
Add Cheese and Pasta: Stir in cheeses until melted, then mix in cooked pasta. Top with steak and parsley.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.