Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

When Comfort Meets Bold Flavor

When the craving for something bold, buttery, and indulgent strikes, there’s no better answer than Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. This dish combines the juicy tenderness of perfectly seared steak bites with a rich, creamy pasta sauce that’s got a subtle kick—thanks to melty Pepper Jack cheese. It’s weeknight dinner magic with steakhouse flair, all made in under 45 minutes.

Whether you’re impressing guests or simply indulging yourself, this one-pan-ish meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of home. Let’s dive into the buttery brilliance.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pepper Jack Pasta

• Fast & Flavor-Packed: Juicy steak seared to golden perfection, paired with a garlicky, cheesy pasta sauce—all ready in about 35–40 minutes.

• One-Skillet Simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum reward. Steak bites and pasta sauce both shine in a two-pan setup.

• Pepper Jack Perfection: That subtle spice from Pepper Jack cheese elevates the creamy sauce from ordinary to unforgettable.

• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish brings smiles to adults and kids alike. You can even dial up or down the heat depending on your audience.

• Customizable: Swap the pasta, change up the steak cut, or stir in some greens—this recipe adapts to your kitchen and cravings.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for this sizzling steak and pasta combo.

For the Steak Bites:

• 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

💡 Tip: Grate cheese fresh off the block for the creamiest results and better melting.

Necessary Tools for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pepper Jack Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this meal a success:

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan (for the steak bites)

• Medium saucepan (for the pasta sauce)

• Pot (to boil the pasta)

• Tongs or a slotted spoon

• Garlic press or microplane (optional, but useful for minced garlic)

• Knife and cutting board

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some easy customizations:

Steak:

• Swap ribeye with flank or NY strip for a leaner option.

• Chicken can replace steak for a lighter version.

Pasta:

• Gluten-free rotini or whole wheat pasta makes it more wholesome.

• Prefer something low-carb? Use zoodles or spaghetti squash.

Sauce Add-ins:

• Add chopped baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.

• Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for extra depth.

• Replace Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack + a pinch of chili flakes if you don’t have it on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

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

🧂 Tip: Save ¼ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

2. Season and Sear the Steak Bites

Pat the steak cubes dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.

In the last 30 seconds, add minced garlic and butter, then toss the steak bites to coat. Remove from heat and transfer steak to a plate. Set aside.

🔥 Tip: Don’t move the steak around too much—this helps achieve a good crust.

3. Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in shredded Pepper Jack cheese, whisking until smooth and melted.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

5. Assemble and Serve

Plate the creamy Pepper Jack pasta. Top generously with sizzling garlic butter steak bites, spooning over any buttery juices from the pan.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and color.

Pro Tips for Success of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pepper Jack Pasta

• Room-temp meat: Take steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking—it helps it cook evenly.

• Dry is key: Patting steak dry ensures that beautiful brown crust.

• Don’t skimp on garlic: Fresh garlic gives the butter sauce that irresistible punch.

• Use good cheese: Block cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

• Add the steak last: This keeps the steak juicy and prevents it from overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple side salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.

• Serve alongside garlic bread or roasted asparagus for a balanced plate.

• Pour a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel—it complements the richness beautifully.

• Make it a date-night dish with candles and cozy vibes!

Storing and Reheating

To store:

• Let cool completely.

• Transfer to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat:

• Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.

• Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round to avoid separating the sauce.

❄️ Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the dairy, which can split upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~675 kcal

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 45g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 580mg

⚠️ These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

FAQs – Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pepper Jack Pasta

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the steak and sauce separately ahead of time. Reheat gently and combine just before serving for best texture.

2. Is this dish spicy?

Pepper Jack cheese adds a mild heat. You can make it spicier with red pepper flakes or tone it down by using Monterey Jack.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch helps thicken it.

4. What’s the best steak for bites?

Sirloin is the best balance of tenderness and cost. Ribeye offers richer flavor but is fattier and more expensive.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

If you love meals that feel indulgent but are totally doable on a weeknight, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta is the recipe for you. With sizzling, savory steak and velvety pasta sauce in every bite, it’s comfort food turned culinary experience. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular star in your meal rotation.

👉 Hungry for more buttery, cheesy, bold dinners? Explore the recipes below!