– **Title**: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Steak Bites**:
– 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta**:
– 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Cook the Pasta**: Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.
2. **Prepare the Steak Bites**:
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
– Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper.
– Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**:
– In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
4. **Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce**:
– In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
– Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
– If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Add the cooked fettuccine to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly.
6. **Serve**: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with more parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: For the steak bites, sirloin is great for its tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for something leaner, consider using tenderloin. Ground meat is also an option for a different texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control salt levels in the dish. If you want a healthier option, you can switch to olive oil for sautéing, though it won’t have the same rich flavor as butter.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but if you’re in a hurry, garlic powder (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove) can work as a quick substitute.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream could work, though the flavor will change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor, but in a pinch, pre-grated cheese will also work. Nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Cook Steak Bites to Perfection?
Cooking steak bites can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get them just right. Start by letting your steak come to room temperature for even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot to ensure a nice sear.
- Add butter and let it melt completely before adding the steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get that lovely browning.
- Keep an eye on the time. About 2-3 minutes on each side should give you a nice medium-rare.
- Adding garlic and thyme towards the end helps infuse the steak with lovely flavors without burning the garlic.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend time cooking the pasta and steak, along with making a creamy Parmesan sauce—a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add a pinch of salt, then toss in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. While that’s melting, season your steak pieces with salt and pepper. Once the butter is hot, add the steak to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the steak is browned on one side, then flip it over to cook the other side. Now, add in the minced garlic, the remaining butter, and the dried thyme, stirring everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet (you can wipe it clean if needed), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into a smooth sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to unite the flavors! Take your cooked pasta and add it to the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until all the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce.
5. Serve:
Finally, grab a large plate. Serve a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with your garlic butter steak bites. Feel free to add some extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for that finishing touch. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for this recipe, you can also use cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for a richer flavor. Just be mindful that cooking times may change slightly depending on the cut and thickness.
How Can I Make the Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta in advance! Cook it according to the package instructions, then cool it and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in boiling water or in the creamy sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream in the Sauce?
If you need a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just note that the sauce may not be as thick, so consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up if desired!
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to moisten the pasta and prevent it from drying out.
