Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta (Print version)
Seared garlic butter steak bites over spicy Cajun Alfredo rotini, both cooked in one skillet and on the table in about 35 minutes.
# Ingredients:
For the steak bites
01 -
1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
06 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Cajun Alfredo pasta
09 -
12 oz (340 g) rotini or cavatappi pasta
10 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
13 -
1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
15 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
17 -
Salt to taste
18 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water
19 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain and set aside.
02 -
Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. Toss with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. A dry surface sears. A wet one steams.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add steak cubes in a single layer without crowding, working in two batches. Sear 1 to 2 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove to a plate.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat for about 30 seconds. Add the thyme, toss once more, and transfer to a plate to rest.
05 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
06 -
Pull the pan off the heat. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Taste and adjust salt.
07 -
Return the pan to low heat. Add the drained rotini and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing until every piece is fully coated. Divide into bowls, pile the garlic butter steak bites on top, and finish with fresh parsley.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately. The Alfredo sauce thickens noticeably as it sits.
02 -
For a milder dish, use 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and omit the cayenne.