“`html
There is nothing quite like the rich, hearty flavor of tender steak bites drenched in garlic butter paired with a luscious, smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta. The Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe perfectly balances bold spice and creamy indulgence, making it a dinner that feels special yet comes together in a flash. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this dish invites you to savor every bite while impressing anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe works its magic with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible pop of color. From the juicy steak cubes to the cheesy, smoky pasta sauce, every item is essential to this unforgettable dish.
- Sirloin steak, 1 lb: Cubed for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Olive oil: Used twice to sear steak and sauté garlic for a subtle fruity background.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Adds richness and creates that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic, 6 cloves total: Minced to infuse both steak and pasta with aromatic pungency.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Pasta (8 oz): Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape; holds creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz package: Softened for silky, tangy creaminess and body in the sauce.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce, 1-2 tablespoons: Chopped to bring smoky heat—adjust to your spice level.
- Milk or heavy cream, ½ cup: Creates the perfect sauce consistency and adds extra smoothness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: For salty depth and a touch of nutty brightness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped for a fresh, herbal garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the sirloin steak cubes generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Add them to the hot pan and let them brown on all sides, creating a beautiful crust that locks in juiciness. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the steak bites to a plate and set them aside to rest briefly.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to absorb all the steak’s leftover flavors. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute—this step is key to getting that garlicky aroma just right, without burning the garlic. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them gently in the garlic butter, letting the flavors marry for another 1 to 2 minutes. This silky coating takes the steak from tasty to irresistible. Remove from heat when done.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This ensures the pasta will hold up perfectly beneath the creamy chipotle sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Sauce
In a clean skillet, combine olive oil and butter over medium heat, melting them together to start your sauce base. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until soft and aromatic. Then, add the softened cream cheese and chipotle in adobo sauce, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, smoky mixture. This is where that signature chipotle heat blends beautifully with creamy richness.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Milk and Parmesan
Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly to reach a silky, cohesive texture. Then fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt fully and thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. Season with salt and pepper to your taste; this step is crucial to balance the smoky, savory flavors with a touch of brightness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked pasta into the chipotle cream sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add an extra splash of milk until you hit that smooth, dreamy texture. This creamy pasta will be the ideal bed for the garlicky steak bites.
Step 7: Plate and Top with Steak Bites
Divide the saucy pasta among serving bowls and crown each portion with a generous helping of garlic butter steak bites. This final assembly brings all the textures and flavors together, making your dish a stunning feast both visually and in taste.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal contrast to the rich, smoky flavors. You could also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a few red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat a bit. These little touches make every bite exciting and Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already rich and filling, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a simple garlic bread to sop up any leftover creamy sauce all complement this meal beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with steak bites strategically placed on top so every forkful gets a bit of both. For a fun dinner party trick, place a sprig of cilantro or a twist of lime zest on each plate for a burst of fresh color and enticing aroma. You might also use small cast iron skillets to keep the steak bites sizzling as they arrive at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the garlic butter steak bites and smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to preserve textures and flavors best. This method keeps the steak tender and the pasta sauce from thickening too much overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pasta, transfer only the creamy chipotle sauce-coated pasta to a freezer-safe container. Steak bites lose some texture when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Frozen pasta dishes will keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Warm steak bites carefully in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through to avoid overcooking. Combining reheated components right before serving keeps this dish tasting just as amazing as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is perfect due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or filet mignon cubes. Just be mindful of cooking times as thicker or fattier cuts may require slight adjustments.
How spicy is the chipotle in adobo sauce?
Chipotle is smoky with medium heat, but it’s quite manageable in this recipe because the cream cheese balances the spice. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you love a little extra kick!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap out steak bites for sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu cubes. They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully and still pair wonderfully with the smoky pasta.
What type of pasta works best here?
Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well is ideal. The key is choosing pasta that can cradle the rich chipotle cream sauce and still let the steak bites shine on top.
Is it okay to substitute cream for milk?
Yes! Using cream instead of milk will make the pasta even richer and silkier, stepping up the indulgence factor if that’s what you’re after.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and quick prep, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love the way the smoky, spicy pasta complements the tender, garlicky steak bites every single time.
“`
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender garlic butter steak bites served over smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta. This recipe combines juicy, perfectly seared sirloin steak cubes with a rich, creamy pasta infused with chipotle peppers for a smoky heat and aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin steak cubes with salt and pepper. Cook the steak in the hot pan, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the steak is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chipotle Cream Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Chipotle: Add the softened cream cheese and chopped chipotle in adobo sauce to the pan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and combines smoothly with the garlic.
- Add Milk and Parmesan: Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream while stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve: Divide the creamy chipotle pasta into bowls and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk in the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but adds a nice fresh contrast to the smoky pasta.
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or tenderloin for a different flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure to melt cream cheese thoroughly for a smooth sauce without lumps.
