Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The savory steak pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a satisfying meal.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of pasta or cheese to suit your preferences.
• Comfort Food: Offers a hearty and indulgent experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes gourmet, making it suitable for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Steak:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the steak pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the steak with the seasonings.
3. Sear the Steak:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and incorporate any browned bits from the steak. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Cheese:
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Combine Everything:
   • Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated with the cheese sauce. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, gently stirring to combine and heat through.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the cheesy steak and pasta mixture to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to add more nutrients and texture.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herb Substitutions: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fresh taste.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit different dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through, until warm.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the dish’s texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

2. What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or tenderloin can also be used.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Half-and-half

Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta

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This Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned steak bites and al dente rotini pasta, all coated in a velvety cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this easy-to-make meal delivers indulgent flavors with minimal effort

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Season and Sear the Steak

• In a medium bowl, toss the steak pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
• Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
• Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in beef broth, scraping the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
• Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, bringing to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

4. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked rotini pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
• Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.

5. Serve & Garnish

• Plate the pasta and steak mixture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Pasta Options: Substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Cheese Varieties: Try mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese for a different twist.
• Veggie Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce into the sauce.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of steak.