Short Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a bold and indulgent fusion dish combining juicy seared steak with creamy, spiced Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked twisted pasta. This restaurant-quality meal offers a satisfying balance of heat, richness, and texture, making it a standout choice for special dinners or hearty weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed: Savory garlic butter steak and spicy Cajun cream sauce create an unforgettable combination.
Hearty and Satisfying: A protein-rich, carb-comforting meal that fills and delights.
Versatile: Use your preferred cut of steak or adjust the spice level to your liking.
One Skillet Sauce: Easy cleanup with minimal cookware.
Elegant Enough for Guests: Perfect for impressing at dinner without complex techniques.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:
12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the twisted pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sear the Steak:
Pat the steak cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Optionally, stir in red pepper flakes for added heat.
Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Combine and Finish:
Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Return the steak bites to the skillet, stirring them into the pasta until well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Different Pasta Types: Try penne, fettuccine, or tagliatelle for a twist in texture.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the steak bites over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Extra Creamy: Add a bit of cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce for an even richer consistency.
Seafood Swap: Substitute steak with shrimp for a surf-and-turf inspired variation.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin also work well. Just be sure to cut into small, even pieces for quick searing.
How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo?
The heat level is moderate, but can be adjusted by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and steak in advance, but for best results, combine and reheat just before serving.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?
Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lactose-free version, though flavor and texture will vary.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, but avoid overcooking when reheating to prevent the meat from drying out.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Allow it to simmer a bit longer to thicken, or add more grated Parmesan cheese for body.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white like Chardonnay or a bold red like Zinfandel complements the creamy, spiced flavors well.
Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?
You can, but the flavor and consistency of the sauce will be less rich. Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese are alternatives.
What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to the pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Toss cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil before adding it to the sauce, or combine immediately after draining.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a standout recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weekday dinner or impress guests with a gourmet meal, this dish offers a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Its bold, creamy, and savory profile ensures it will quickly become a household favorite.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a bold and creamy fusion dish that pairs juicy seared steak cubes with spicy, cheesy Alfredo-coated rotini. It’s a rich, restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home. Keyword: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:
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12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season steak cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Sear steak in the skillet for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
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Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
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Mix in cooked pasta, tossing to coat in sauce. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
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Return steak bites to the pan and combine with pasta.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
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A cast iron skillet gives the steak a perfect sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
