Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

What You’ll Love:

  • Tender steak bites seared in garlic butter.
  • Creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce.
  • Twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli) that grabs every drop of sauce.
  • Comfort food level: Maxed out!

INGREDIENTS

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red chili flakes for heat

For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:

  • 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or gemelli)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan on top

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the twisted pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  3. Drain and set aside.

STEP 2: Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

  1. Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat.
  3. Add steak bites in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd; do this in batches if needed.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Spoon garlic butter over steak for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Remove steak from skillet and keep warm.

STEP 3: Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time.

STEP 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Gently fold in garlic butter steak bites OR serve them on top of pasta.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and more Parmesan.
  3. Optional: Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

BENEFITS

  • Protein-Rich: Steak provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
  • Comforting & Filling: Creamy pasta satisfies cravings and keeps you full.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust Cajun spice and chili flakes to your spice tolerance.
  • Iron-Boosting: Steak is rich in iron, supporting energy and immune function.

COOKING TIPS

  • For extra creamy sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
  • For tenderness, let steak rest for 5 minutes after searing before mixing.
  • Try chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a twist!

NUTRITION (Per Serving, ~6 servings)

(Approximate, varies by portion size)

  • Calories: ~650
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g

CONCLUSION

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is not just dinner—it’s an experience. Perfect for cozy nights, date night, or when you just want to impress someone with bold, buttery, spicy, creamy goodness.

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