Steak night just got wildly exciting with this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta—a dish that wraps sizzling, juicy steak in garlicky bliss, then pairs it with pasta cloaked in a luxuriously smoky, spicy cream sauce. Every bite is a swirl of rich flavors, melt-in-your-mouth textures, and that irresistible hint of chipotle warmth. This is not just a recipe, but a full-on flavor celebration that’s perfect for a special occasion or simply when you’re craving something extra decadent. If you’re looking to wow your taste buds (and everyone at the table), Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta is an absolute must-try.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of kitchen staples and a few power players to create something restaurant-quality at home. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute bold flavor, unbeatable texture, and a pop of color—nothing unnecessary, just pure deliciousness.

Sirloin steak (1½ lbs, bite-sized): The star of the show! Sirloin gives you tender, juicy bites that sear beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the deep, meaty flavor of the steak and every layer of taste in the dish.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): For both steak perfection and silky pasta sauce; use a good one for added aroma.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps that garlic flavor soak into every steak morsel.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced, divided): The secret to the unforgettable aroma and punchy depth in both the steak and sauce.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A final flourish for color and a bit of herbal freshness.
Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni): The ideal vessel to catch all that creamy, spicy sauce—plus, they hold up well with steak bites.
Yellow onion (½ small, finely chopped): A sweet, mellow base for your pasta sauce.
Chipotle pepper in adobo (1, minced): Brings a layer of smokiness and manageable heat; adjust to your preference.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature smoky warmth which makes the cream sauce sing.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened, cubed): Turns the sauce into silky velvet—so comforting and inviting.
Milk (¾ cup): Thins out the sauce just enough for pourability, but keeps it rich and satisfying.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds salty bite and a nutty finish to the creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Fine-tune your seasoning before serving for perfect balance.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites

Start by seasoning the steak pieces generously with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy, this is your flavor foundation. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer to ensure a gorgeous brown crust; let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side, until perfectly caramelized and cooked to your liking.

Step 2: Add Garlic Butter to Steak Bites

Reduce the heat to low, add the butter and minced garlic directly to the pan with the steak. As the butter melts, quickly toss everything together so each bite gets bathed in garlicky, golden bliss. This step infuses the meat with ultra-rich flavor. Remove from heat and shower with fresh parsley for a burst of green and a hint of brightness.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the steak is working its magic, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne or rigatoni just until al dente. Drain well and set aside—the pasta will soon soak up every drop of creamy, smoky sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In a second large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the garlic, chipotle pepper, and smoked paprika, letting their fragrances mingle and fill your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 5: Make the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Sauce

Turn the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir steadily as it melts into the aromatic mixture, forming a dreamy, thick base. Slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the Parmesan, until the sauce turns creamy, glossy, and luxurious. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the luscious, smoky chipotle cream cheese sauce. This is the magical moment when the pasta transforms into its best, most flavorful self.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Serve the hot pasta in bowls or on plates, then generously top (or nestle beside) the garlic butter steak bites. Make sure to drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the steak pan over the top for even more flavor. Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta masterpiece is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle more fresh chopped parsley right before serving. You can also add a dusting of smoked paprika for a dramatic touch, or a little extra grated Parmesan. A wedge of lime served on the side can brighten up the smoky creaminess, plus it looks stunning on the plate.

Side Dishes

While the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta is wildly satisfying all on its own, a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies offer a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is fantastic for mopping up extra sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, buttery corn on the cob or sautéed mushrooms play beautifully with the steak.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress this up in a deep serving platter, alternating layers of saucy pasta and steak bites for show-stopping appeal. Or, for a fun twist, serve “pasta nests” topped with steak bites as individual portions. If you’re feeding a crowd, try serving straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feast. For date night, plate restaurant-style with a drizzle of garlic butter and a flourish of herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb a bit more of the sauce as it sits, making every forkful even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal on hand for future cravings, you can freeze the steak bites and pasta (preferably separately) for up to two months. Place each component in a freezer-safe container with a layer of parchment between the pasta and sauce to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, gently reheat the pasta and steak separately—use a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving steaks, as they can turn tough; a quick toss in a hot pan revives their succulence. Combine just before serving and enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin works beautifully, you can use ribeye or New York strip for even more tender steak bites. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

How can I adjust the spice level?

The chipotle pepper brings smoky heat, but you’re in full control. Add more or less chipotle to suit your preference, or omit it for a milder version. For extra spice, include a dash or two of hot sauce!

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne and rigatoni are ideal due to their hearty texture and ability to trap sauce, but feel free to swap in fusilli or farfalle—just choose a shape with ridges or grooves for holding onto every bit of that creamy chipotle goodness.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Stir a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Peas or roasted red peppers are also lovely additions.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes—just prepare in advance and store portions in airtight containers. The flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge, making Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta an excellent grab-and-reheat meal during busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like an event—and tastes even better—give Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta a spot on your table. It’s bold, irresistible, and designed to make you and your favorite people smile. Don’t wait for a special occasion; make tonight a celebration!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with a creamy, smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines tender steak with a flavorful pasta sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
¾ cup milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Season steak with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until browned. Toss with butter and garlic, then top with parsley.
Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta: Cook pasta. Sauté onion and garlic, add chipotle, paprika, cream cheese, milk, Parmesan. Season and toss with pasta. Serve with steak bites.