If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances hearty, smoky, and creamy flavors, then you are in for a treat with the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe. This irresistible meal combines tender, skillet-seared steak bites lovingly coated in garlic butter with a luscious chipotle-spiked cream cheese pasta that delivers smoky depth and a gentle kick. Every bite bursts with richness and comfort, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe is in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s full of flavor, vibrant color, and a perfect mix of textures—from the juicy steak to the silky pasta sauce.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender steak bites that sear beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for searing, it adds subtle fruitiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds rich, silky flavor that makes the steak bites irresistible.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a punch of savory aroma and deep flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds the creamy sauce well, offering great bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the velvety base of the smoky chipotle sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps loosen the cream cheese and create a smooth sauce consistency.
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Brings smoky heat and depth, adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty tang and enhances creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smoky profile of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the sauce with subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente—cooked but still with a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water; it’s key for loosening the sauce later and helping it cling beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your cubed sirloin steak generously with salt and black pepper. Add the steak bites in a single layer to the hot pan and let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step caramelizes the outside, locking in those precious juices and creating a gorgeous crust.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter Flavor
Lower the heat and toss in the butter along with the minced garlic. Stir quickly, allowing the butter to melt and coat every steak bite with rich garlic goodness. The sizzling garlic butter will elevate each morsel to a new level of irresistible. Once done, transfer the steak bites off the heat and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Prepare the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Sauce
On medium-low heat, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan. Stir constantly until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water you saved earlier to reach a luscious, silky consistency perfect for coating your pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, toss your cooked and drained penne pasta directly into the smoky chipotle cream cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is gloriously covered in the smoky, spicy, creamy sauce that you’ve crafted.
Step 6: Plate with Steak Bites and Garnish
Serve the sauce-coated pasta in bowls or plates, then generously top with the garlic butter steak bites. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, and you’re ready to dive into pure deliciousness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic option that adds a lovely green contrast and a fresh herbal note to balance the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs well with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious chipotle cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and arrange the steak bites atop in a neat pile. Add edible flowers or microgreens for extra flair. For casual gatherings, family-style serving works beautifully too—just bring the pan straight to the table and let everyone dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak bites and pasta together to maintain sauce flavor, but be mindful the steak may firm up a bit upon cooling.
Freezing
This dish freezes best when separated into portions. Freeze the pasta and sauce without the steak bites for up to 2 months. The steak can be frozen separately, but keep in mind reheating may slightly alter its texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to regain that creamy consistency. For the steak, a quick toss in a hot pan brings back some of the original sear and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye or New York strip are fantastic alternatives if you want even more marbling and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and sear similarly.
How spicy is this chipotle cream cheese sauce?
The heat level depends on the number of chipotle peppers you use. Start with one if you prefer mild smoky heat, or add two or more for a bolder kick. You can always adjust to your taste!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since cream cheese and butter are central here, but you could try vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes. The texture and flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Penne is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce nicely, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would also be great choices.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Prepare the full dish and divide into containers; the flavors actually meld and improve after a day or two refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that’s cozy yet packed with layers of flavor, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a fantastic blend of creamy, smoky, and garlicky goodness that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen—and possibly your dinner rotation. So grab that steak, set the skillet heating, and get ready to enjoy every indulgent bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta is a delicious and indulgent American main course that pairs tender, seared sirloin steak cubes tossed in garlic butter with a creamy, smoky chipotle pasta. This hearty and flavorful dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a smooth chipotle cream cheese sauce, topped with juicy garlic-infused steak bites, making it a wonderful meal for steak and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Sear the steak bites: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Add the steak bites to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add garlic butter: To the skillet with the steak, add butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat the steak bites in the garlic butter, then remove from heat and set the skillet aside.
- Prepare the chipotle cream sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine softened cream cheese, milk, finely chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to a desired consistency.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the chipotle cream sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, smoky sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and top it with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level according to your taste.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or New York strip for a richer flavor and texture.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished dish to add a zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
