Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pasta

When it comes to creating a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive, Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pasta checks all the boxes! This recipe combines tender steak bites, creamy pasta, and a kick of spice in a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe that will soon become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The smoky paprika-spiced steak bites pair perfectly with the rich and garlicky butter sauce.
• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap the pasta type, or even use chicken instead of steak.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth as an alternative)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions (8–12 minutes).
• Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce. Set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Steak Bites

• Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure a perfect sear.
• Toss the steak in a medium bowl with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer.
• Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet (without cleaning it), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
• Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the chicken broth, whisking to combine and deglaze the pan. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce for a creamy finish.

4. Combine Pasta and Steak Bites

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
• Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the pasta and sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer everything to a serving dish or individual plates.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy, buttery, and savory flavors!

What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pasta

For a complete meal, pair this dish with:

• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of sauce.
• A glass of iced tea, sparkling water, or even a light red wine for a balanced pairing.

Tips for Success

• Perfect Sear: Dry the steak well before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
• Control the Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
• Freeze: While the pasta and sauce freeze well, the steak bites are best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Ribeye, tenderloin, or New York strip also work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not overly spicy. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier, depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Pasta is the perfect blend of indulgent flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out some of my other pasta dishes—like creamy Cajun chicken pasta or shrimp scampi linguine!

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest to inspire others.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Vegetable Boost: Add roasted bell peppers, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach to make it a more balanced meal.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra cheesiness.
• Seafood Twist: Swap out the steak bites for shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the garlic butter steak bites over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary in the sauce for a fragrant twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re looking to save time, you can prep components of this dish in advance:

• Marinate the Steak: Toss the steak bites with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 12 hours.
• Cook Pasta Ahead: Boil the pasta and store it in the fridge. Toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, then reheat it when ready to combine with the sauce.
• Pre-Make the Sauce: You can make the garlic butter sauce up to a day in advance. Reheat it gently on the stove before adding the pasta and steak.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

This recipe is great for meal prep! Divide the pasta and steak bites into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just store the sauce separately, so the pasta doesn’t soak up too much of it before reheating.

Hosting Tips

Want to make this for a dinner party? Here’s how to wow your guests:

• Serve the pasta family-style in a large dish, garnished generously with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
• Pair it with a light appetizer like a Caprese salad or bruschetta.
• Offer wine pairings—try a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the steak.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fat: 22g

Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking! 🍝✨