If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. This scrumptious recipe combines tender, garlicky steak cubes dipped in golden butter with a luxuriously creamy pasta that boasts a smoky kick from chipotle peppers. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays a starring role in making this meal truly unforgettable. From the hearty sirloin steak to the luscious cream cheese and smoky chipotle, each element enhances the flavor, texture, and color, creating a balanced yet exciting dish.
- Sirloin steak (1 lb): Provides tender, juicy bites packed with rich, beefy flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Essential for searing the steak and sautéing garlic, adding depth to the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness that ties steak bites and sauce together beautifully.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses both the steak and pasta with aromatic, savory warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but vital seasoning to bring out all the layers of flavor.
- Pasta (8 oz): Your choice of penne, fettuccine, or another favorite—this canvas soaks up the creamy sauce spectacularly.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the luscious, velvety base of the smoky chipotle sauce.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce (1-2 tablespoons): Delivers a smoky, spicy punch—adjust to taste for just the right heat.
- Milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): Smooths out the sauce for that perfect creamy texture; choose heavy cream for an extra indulgence.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty complexity that rounds out the sauce flawlessly.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast as a vibrant garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin cubes generously with salt and pepper. Once your pan is hot and shimmering, add the steak bites, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a gorgeous brown crust on all sides. These seared edges lock in juicy flavor and give you that mouthwatering steak texture everyone loves. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside to rest, ensuring they stay tender and moist.
Step 2: Infuse the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant—about one minute. Don’t let it burn, as we want sweetness and aroma, not bitterness. Add the steak bites back to the pan and toss them gently in this luscious garlic butter, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to marry all those flavors. This step is where the steak really sings, coated in a buttery garlicky hug.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the steak is resting, prepare your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to meet its creamy, smoky partner.
Step 4: Start the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Sauce
In a clean large skillet, heat olive oil and butter together over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until just fragrant—this brief step layers that signature garlic flavor deep into your sauce.
Step 5: Melt and Mix the Cream Cheese and Chipotle
Lower the heat slightly, then stir in the softened cream cheese and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir continuously so the cream cheese melts down smoothly without clumps, and the chipotle blends its smoky, spicy magic evenly.
Step 6: Add Milk and Parmesan for Perfect Creaminess
Slowly pour in milk (or heavy cream if you’re feeling a bit indulgent), stirring constantly to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese which thickens the sauce and adds a tangy, savory bite. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this final seasoning boost perfects the balance between smoky spice and creamy decadence.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked pasta into the chipotle cream cheese sauce, tossing until every piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gently add more milk by the tablespoon to achieve your preferred consistency. Let the pasta sit in the warm sauce for a minute, so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 8: Plate and Crown with Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Divide the creamy chipotle pasta among serving bowls then pile each with the garlicky steak bites. The contrast of tender meat and rich pasta with a smoky finish is an absolute winner every time.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is a fantastic, optional garnish that adds a pop of green and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lime can also elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, think simple and crisp like a garden salad or roasted vegetables. Grilled asparagus or garlic green beans bring textural crunch and vibrant color that complements the pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual cast iron skillets topped with piping hot steak bites, letting guests scoop to their heart’s content. Alternatively, try layering the pasta and steak bites in a shallow glass casserole for a casual family-style presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well, especially if the sauce is kept creamy and not dried out.
Freezing
While the creamy pasta is lovely fresh, freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked steak bites separately for up to 2 months and quickly reheat when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Cover and warm through slowly to keep the steak tender and sauce silky without separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin works wonderfully, other tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon can be used. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking thinner or more delicate cuts.
How spicy is the smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta?
The spice level depends on how much chipotle in adobo you add. Start with one tablespoon for mild smoky heat and increase up to two tablespoons if you like it with more punch. You can always add more to individual plates if desired.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
You can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Butter can be replaced with vegan butter or olive oil. The steak and chipotle flavor remain fantastic in these variations.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture. Make sure your chipotle sauce and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to reheat the steak bites so they don’t get tough?
Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet on low heat with a little butter or olive oil, tossing occasionally until warmed. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat and make it tough.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make—perfect for turning an ordinary night into something special. Dig in and savor every bite of this cozy, flavorful feast!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta recipe combines tender, flavorful sirloin steak bites sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a rich and smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Steak Bites: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then cook in the hot pan until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan, toss in the garlic butter sauce, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the steak is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic for Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Cream Cheese Sauce: Add the cream cheese and chipotle in adobo sauce, stirring until the cream cheese melts and combines with the garlic.
- Add Milk and Parmesan: Slowly add milk (or cream) while stirring until smooth and creamy. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer and creamier pasta sauce.
- Let steak bites rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast but is optional.
- Pasta types like penne or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
