Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. Juicy, golden-seared steak cubes are tossed in a garlicky butter sauce and layered over a luxuriously creamy, mildly spicy pepper jack pasta. This dish is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—impossibly tender beef, a dreamy cheese sauce, and pasta that clings to every bite. If you crave the excitement of steakhouse flavors in a fast and friendly weeknight format, this one’s destined to become your new obsession.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of simple but top-notch ingredients to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the quality of steak and cheese to the rich, creamy base of the pasta. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is worth celebrating:

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 1/2 pounds, cubed): Choose well-marbled beef for melt-in-your-mouth, juicy bites. Sirloin keeps it lean; ribeye dials up the richness.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the steak develop a gorgeous golden crust while keeping it from sticking.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons for steak, 2 tablespoons for pasta): Adds deep, savory flavor and lusciousness to both the steak and the pasta sauce.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The signature aromatic that infuses sauce and steak with unmatched flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Sneaks in an umami boost and balances the richness of the butter.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out the steak’s best flavor and perfecting your sauce.
Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Brings freshness and a pop of color right at the end.
Penne or Short Pasta (8 oz): Tubes or shapes help soak up that creamy, cheesy sauce in every forkful.
All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce just enough for it to cling to pasta like a dream.
Milk (1 cup) & Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The dream team for a sauce that’s rich yet balanced.
Pepper Jack Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts into a creamy, just-spicy-enough sauce with a little zing.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a touch more heat in their creamy pasta.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your penne (or pasta of choice) according to the package directions. Aim for al dente—you want a pasta that holds up beautifully under the creamy pepper jack sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, making sure to give yourself a little head start for the steak and sauce.

Step 2: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites

Pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels—this is the secret to a great sear! Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then add the steak in a single layer. Let each cube sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’re looking for deep, golden edges and irresistible aroma. Once the steak bites are beautifully seared and cooked to your favorite doneness, transfer them to a plate and tent lightly with foil.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then add butter right into the pan’s steak fond (the flavorful browned bits left behind). Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, splash in Worcestershire sauce—it will combine with the melted butter for an alluring, savory, and just-slightly tangy finish. Return the steak bites and any juices to the pan, toss everything together for about a minute so the meat drinks up the garlic butter, then remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley if you like.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the remaining minced garlic, letting it cook aromatically for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for one minute to form the base of your roux—it keeps the cheese sauce smooth and thick. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, keeping your sauce moving until it thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes). Add the shredded pepper jack in handfuls, stirring until it’s velvety and melted throughout. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like extra kick. Fold in the drained pasta, ensuring all those little nooks get coated.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

It’s showtime! Spoon a dreamy bed of creamy pepper jack pasta onto your plates, then top generously with garlic butter steak bites. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra pan sauce over the top—that’s where pure joy lives. Serve hot and get ready for rave reviews at the table.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness, or add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes to turn up the heat. Shaved parmesan or a squeeze of lemon over the top can balance the richness and take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This dish is a centerpiece, but it pairs lovingly with roasted broccoli, garlicky green beans, a crisp Caesar salad, or warm garlic bread. These sides complement the bold flavors and let you soak up every luscious drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this meal family-style on a big platter to create a shareable, steakhouse vibe at home. For date nights or special occasions, twirl the pasta into little nests and top each with a generous pile of steak bites. Or, ladle everything into individual bowls for a cozy, comforting solo dinner that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the steak and pasta together ensures the sauce infuses even more flavor into the meat, making for a crave-worthy lunch the next day.

Freezing

While pasta and cheesy sauces don’t always freeze as prettily as they look fresh, you can freeze Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, letting it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add the pasta and steak bites to a skillet with a splash of milk or cream over low heat, stirring gently until everything is warmed through and the sauce returns to silky smoothness. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir midway to promote even heat.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese instead of pepper jack?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar melt beautifully for a slightly different spin. Pepper jack just brings a subtle zest that sets Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta apart.

What’s the best cut of steak for these steak bites?

Sirloin and ribeye are favorites for their tenderness and robust flavor, but feel free to use New York strip or even filet mignon for an extra-special treat. The key is to cut the steak into even, bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

How spicy does the pasta sauce get?

The heat is gentle and mostly comes from the pepper jack cheese, with the option to kick it up using red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, use regular Monterey Jack and skip the extra flakes—it’ll still be creamy and dreamy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, too, and you’ll have a meal everyone can enjoy.

Is there a way to add veggies directly into the dish?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli florets when you combine the pasta and cheese sauce. They’ll add flavor, color, and a nutritional boost to your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly magical about the first forkful of Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. It’s comfort food with plenty of personality—cheesy, buttery, rich, and a little spicy. If you’re looking for a meal that wows every crowd or simply want to treat yourself to a weeknight upgrade, this recipe delivers. Give it a try, and don’t be shy about claiming it as a new favorite in your kitchen!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 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 served over a bed of Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta. This recipe combines tender steak bites in a savory garlic butter sauce with a luscious, cheesy pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the steak bites:

1 1/2 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

For the pasta:

8 oz penne or your favorite short pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
For the steak bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet, then set aside.
Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, add Worcestershire sauce, and return the steak to the skillet to coat.
Make the creamy pasta: In a saucepan, make a cheese sauce with butter, garlic, flour, milk, cream, and pepper jack cheese. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
Serve: Plate the steak bites over the creamy pasta and drizzle with extra garlic butter.