Here’s a detailed recipe + FAQs for your 🥩🧄 Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta:
🥩🧄 Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye, cut into bite-size cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Alfredo Bowtie Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, classic Alfredo touch)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Make the Steak Bites
- Pat steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Return steak bites to skillet, toss in garlic butter, and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream + milk, simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Adjust with reserved pasta water if too thick.
4. Combine & Serve
- Toss bowtie pasta in Alfredo sauce.
- Plate pasta and top with garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
❓ Recipe FAQs
1. What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
- Sirloin is budget-friendly and tender.
- Ribeye gives extra marbling and flavor.
- Filet mignon for the most tender, but pricier option.
2. How do I prevent steak bites from being tough?
- Pat dry before searing.
- Cook on high heat for a quick sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Can I use a different pasta instead of bowties?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well with Alfredo. Bowties just add a fun, bite-size texture.
4. Can I lighten up the Alfredo sauce?
- Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Swap some Parmesan with light cream cheese.
- Use chicken broth + milk for a lighter base.
5. How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, cook the pasta and steak separately.
- Store Alfredo sauce separately, then reheat and combine when serving for the freshest flavor.
👉 Would you like me to also give you a one-pan version of this dish (where pasta, sauce, and steak all cook in the same skillet for easy cleanup)?