Description
Looking for a dinner idea that brings serious flavor without the stress? Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is the answer. This easy recipe combines juicy, golden-seared steak bites with creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce over rotini pasta—perfect for anyone craving a rich, bold, and satisfying meal. Great for weeknights, date nights, or just upgrading your pasta game. With tender steak, buttery garlic, and spicy creaminess, it’s one of those quick dinners that tastes like a restaurant dish. Think of it as a must-have in your easy dinner rotation, especially if you’re into spicy food ideas, pasta recipes, and comforting meals that impress.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin steak
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat steak dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Return steak bites and toss in garlic butter. Cover loosely to keep warm.
6. In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden.
7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
9. Add pasta to sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors.
10. Plate the pasta, top with steak bites, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Let the steak come to room temperature before searing to ensure even cooking and a better crust.
Reserve pasta water to help thin and bind the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy, lump-free sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 785
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 47g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: quick dinner, steak pasta, spicy pasta, garlic butter, Cajun Alfredo, easy recipe