🥩 Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cajun Pasta

⏱ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 2–3

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I. INGREDIENTS

🥩 Steak Bites

• 500g (1 lb) sirloin or ribeye, cut into cubes

• Salt & black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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🍝 Pasta

• 250g (9 oz) rigatoni or short pasta

• Salt for boiling water

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🧀 Creamy Cajun Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup pasta water (as needed)

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II. COOKING METHOD

1️⃣ Cook Pasta

1. Boil salted water.

2. Cook pasta until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.

4. Drain and set aside.

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2️⃣ Sear the Steak Bites

1. Pat steak dry (important for a good crust).

2. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Heat oil in skillet over high heat.

4. Sear steak cubes 1–2 minutes per side until browned.

5. Add butter and garlic. Toss quickly.

6. Remove from pan (do not overcook).

Tip: Cook in batches to avoid steaming.

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3️⃣ Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, and pepper.

6. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.

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4️⃣ Combine

Add cooked pasta into sauce. Toss until fully coated and creamy.

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5️⃣ Plate

1. Spoon creamy pasta onto plate.

2. Add steak bites on the side.

3. Drizzle any garlic butter from pan over steak.

4. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes.

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III. HOW TO KNOW IT’S PERFECT

✔ Steak browned outside, tender inside
✔ Pasta glossy and creamy (not dry)
✔ Sauce slightly spicy and cheesy
✔ Balanced richness with garlic flavor

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IV. CHEF TIPS

✔ Use high heat for steak to get a crust.
✔ Do not overcrowd the pan.
✔ Rest steak bites for 3–5 minutes before serving.
✔ Freshly grate cheese for smoother sauce.

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V. OPTIONAL UPGRADES

• Add mushrooms or spinach
• Add shrimp with steak
• Use penne or cavatappi
• Add white wine splash to sauce
• Make it extra spicy with cayenne