Description
Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with creamy, spicy chipotle-infused pasta shells create a rich and satisfying meal perfect for a flavorful dinner. Tender seared steak cubes are coated in garlic butter and served over cheesy pasta shells with a smoky chipotle cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 pound Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (Flank steak can be used for a leaner version)
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Creamy Chipotle Pasta
- 2 cans Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 ounces Pasta Shells (Gluten-free shells can be used)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Steak Preparation: Pat the sirloin or ribeye steak cubes dry using paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Searing the Steak: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Place the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a deep caramelized crust.
- Garlic Butter Coating: Reduce the heat to medium within the same skillet. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them well in the garlic butter mixture.
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Making Chipotle Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, gently warm the heavy cream. Add finely chopped chipotle peppers and stir for about 3 minutes to infuse the cream with smoky heat. Whisk in the shredded white cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta shells to the cheese sauce and gently toss to coat each shell evenly. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for one minute to meld the flavors together.
- Serving: Plate the creamy chipotle pasta shells and top generously with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a leaner option, flank steak can be substituted for sirloin or ribeye.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your preferred spice level.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a better sear on the steak for enhanced flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta shells can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Allow the steak to rest briefly after seasoning to improve flavor absorption.
