Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta & Creamy Dressing
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Total Time: ~40 minutes
🥩 Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions:
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Prep the Steak:
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Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels.
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sear the Steak:
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Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, add steak in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and medium-rare (or your preferred doneness).
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Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
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Make Garlic Butter:
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Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same pan.
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Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown garlic).
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Finish Steak Bites:
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Return steak to skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter for 1–2 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Set aside and keep warm.
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🍝 Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
Ingredients:
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8 oz (225g) twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
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Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
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Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
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Toss to fully coat the pasta in the spicy Alfredo.
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Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes.
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🥗 Creamy House Dressing (Optional Salad or Drizzle)
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or dill
Instructions:
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Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
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Chill until ready to use.
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Use as a drizzle over the steak bites or as a salad dressing on the side.
🍽️ Plating & Serving
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Spoon a bed of Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta onto each plate.
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Top with generous portions of garlic butter steak bites.
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Drizzle with a spoonful of creamy dressing or serve it on the side with a fresh green salad.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, chili flakes, or grated Parmesan.
🛒 Shopping List Summary:
Protein:
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Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 lb)
Dairy:
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Butter
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese
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Mayonnaise
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Pantry:
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Olive oil
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Cajun seasoning
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Dijon mustard
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Salt & pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Pasta (twisted like rotini or fusilli)
Produce:
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Garlic
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Lemon
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Optional herbs: parsley, chives, dill