If you’re craving a meal that brings together juicy, tender steak and comforting pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce, you have to try this Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory and creamy, with bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak seared to perfection and enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that clings to every twist of rotini pasta. This dish comes together quickly and easily, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the perfectly seasoned steak cubes to the creamy mixture of cheeses, every element adds layers of flavor and texture, making your dinner both comforting and full of character.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes: Tender and juicy, this cut is perfect for quick cooking and great flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear on the steak while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note to the steak seasoning without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances depth in the seasoning, complementing the garlic perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smoky sweetness that elevates the steak’s flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and letting the other flavors shine.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps soften the garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that makes the creamy sauce irresistible.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the silky base of the luscious cheese sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a gooey, stretchy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): A fresh burst of color and flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your rotini according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Al dente pasta provides just the right amount of bite to contrast the creamy sauce, so don’t overcook it! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you focus on the star of the dish: the steak bites.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, toss your bite-sized sirloin cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning packs a lot of punch, infusing the meat with complementary flavors. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the skillet and keep it warm aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Next, reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for just a minute until it releases its amazing aroma—be careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until the mixture becomes luxurious and smooth. This is the sauce that will bring everything together with coziness and richness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Steak, and Sauce
Return the cooked rotini and steak bites to the skillet, tossing everything carefully to coat all the pieces in the cheesy sauce. Let it cook together for another one to two minutes so the flavors meld and everything is heated through perfectly. If you want, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for an added fresh pop of color and light herbal notes.
How to Serve Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but adds a subtle fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. For a little heat, you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds freshness and texture contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also fantastic for dipping into that irresistible cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve this meal in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep everything warm and inviting. You can also top it with extra shredded cheese and broil for a minute to achieve a golden bubbly crust. It’s perfect for impressing guests with minimal fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak might continue to tenderize, and the sauce will thicken, so just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well if stored properly in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the steak may change slightly after thawing. To maintain flavor, consider freezing the pasta and steak separately from the sauce, if possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little heavy cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can make the cheese sauce separate or the steak dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin works great for its tenderness and affordability, you can substitute ribeye or strip steak for a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness to avoid overcooking.
Is there a non-dairy option for the creamy sauce?
You could experiment with coconut cream or cashew cream to create a dairy-free version, but keep in mind the cheese flavors are key here. Vegan cheese alternatives might help replicate the cheesy texture.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and cut the steak in advance and even cook the pasta ahead, keeping it al dente in the fridge. Then, when ready, quickly cook the steak bites and assemble everything for a fast dinner.
What can I add for extra veggies in this dish?
Adding spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes during the final step works wonderfully. They add nutrition and burst of color without overpowering the flavors.
How spicy is the dish?
The cheesy steak bites and rotini pasta recipe itself is mild, but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning or sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth and a cozy feeling of satisfaction after every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this deliciously rich and easy-to-make meal will quickly become a favorite you return to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of perfectly cooked steak paired with creamy, cheesy pasta in every bite!
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Cheesy Steak Bites and Rotini Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty one-skillet meal featuring tender, seasoned sirloin steak bites tossed with al dente rotini pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that comes together on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Steak: In a bowl, toss the sirloin steak cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Make Creamy Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked rotini pasta and seared steak bites back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the cheesy sauce.
- Heat Through and Serve: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak ahead of time or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the skillet when cooking the steak bites.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or strip steak for a richer taste and more marbling.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak to maintain tenderness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a better melting quality and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
