Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare yet rich in taste, look no further than Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce. This dish combines tender pieces of juicy steak with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, perfect for dinner after a long day or a weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this irresistible dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Steak: Use a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds the creamy garlic parmesan sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use any pasta you like.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that bold, aromatic flavor that complements the steak.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor and gives the sauce a creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: This creates the smooth, luxurious sauce base.
  • Butter: For sautéing the steak and adding extra richness to the sauce.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) for a hint of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Steak Bites: In a large skillet, heat a little butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed steak, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Sear the steak bites until they’re browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once the cream is simmering, reduce the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rotini and steak bites to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve: Serve the steak bites and rotini hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly complements the tender steak and pasta, creating a mouthwatering combination.
  • Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish to make it even more hearty and nutritious.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: The dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can enjoy the leftovers the next day for lunch or dinner.

Tips for the Best Steak Bites and Rotini

  • Choose the Right Steak: For best results, use a steak cut that’s tender and cooks quickly, such as sirloin or ribeye. Flank steak is also a great option if you prefer a leaner cut.
  • Don’t Overcook the Steak: Since the steak bites are small, they cook quickly. Be sure to not overcook them, as they can become tough and dry. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: For the creamiest, most flavorful sauce, opt for freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese. It melts much better and adds more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce pairs beautifully with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With tender steak, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it to guests or making it for your family, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Try it tonight for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

Serving Tips for Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish by topping it with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or thyme. These herbs add a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
  2. Pair with Sides: Serve with a light side salad, such as a simple Caesar or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the garlic parmesan sauce. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent complements.
  3. Wine Pairing: For a well-rounded meal, pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer white wine, try a creamy Chardonnay, which pairs well with the garlic parmesan sauce.
  4. Customize the Toppings: Add extra toppings like extra parmesan cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

  1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps preserve the quality of the dish and prevents condensation from forming inside the container.
  2. Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This dish will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in a covered dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat the steak bites, as they can become tough.
  4. Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the creamy garlic parmesan sauce may not have the same texture once thawed. If freezing, it’s best to separate the steak bites and pasta, then freeze the sauce in a separate container. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and combine with freshly cooked pasta and steak. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce on busy days or impress your guests with a delicious, home-cooked meal!

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out rotini for other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. However, rotini’s spiral shape holds the creamy garlic parmesan sauce particularly well, making it a great choice for this dish.

2. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are ideal, you can also use other cuts like New York strip or tenderloin. Just be sure to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

3. Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can lighten up this dish by using a lower-fat cream or substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. You could also use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a reduced-fat parmesan for a less indulgent version.

4. Can I make Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Cook and store the pasta separately, and prepare the steak bites in advance. When ready to serve, combine the cooked steak and pasta with the garlic parmesan sauce for a quick reheat.

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Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy steak bites paired with perfectly cooked rotini pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dinner is sure to impress your family or guests!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Serves 4

  • For the steak bites:
    • 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the pasta:
    • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
    • 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)



Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the steak bites:
    • Season the steak pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
    • Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
    • Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same skillet, and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the garlic butter. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Make the garlic Parmesan sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce:
    • Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the chopped parsley.
  5. Assemble and serve:
    • Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika to season the steak bites.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.

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