Garlic Butter Steak Pepper Jack

Garlic Butter Steak Bites over Creamy Pepper Jack Penne brings together juicy seared steak and a lush, cheesy pasta for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. When my family craves comfort food with a savory twist, this skillet meal always hits the spot. The combination of bold garlic butter and velvety Pepper Jack sauce creates a dish that disappears as soon as it hits the table.

Last winter I whipped this up when friends dropped by unexpectedly. It was ready before anyone finished their first glass of wine and they still talk about it months later.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: cut into pieces for bite-size tenderness that cooks quickly and stays juicy use bright red steaks with a bit of marbling for the best flavor
• Butter: rich and melts into the garlic for a silky sauce select unsalted to control the seasoning
• Olive oil: helps sear the beef and prevents sticking reach for a robust extra-virgin bottle
• Garlic: gives the dish its soul fresh cloves offer much more punch than jarred
• Salt: enhances every ingredient flake salt can add even more sparkle
• Black pepper: a must for savory depth buy whole peppercorns and grind for the freshest aroma
• Garlic powder: doubles down on the savoriness choose a fine powder for even distribution
• Smoked paprika: brings a subtle warmth and smokiness Spanish varieties offer the deepest color
• Dried thyme: adds herbal notes that pair beautifully with both beef and cheese always check that your blend smells fresh

For the Creamy Pepper Jack Pasta

• Penne pasta: perfect for holding onto the rich sauce use bronze-cut for extra cling
• Heavy cream: forms the lush backbone of the sauce ultra-fresh cream works best
• Pepper Jack cheese: generates the signature creamy heat shred from a block for smooth melting
• Cheddar cheese: balances the heat with mellow sharpness opt for a mild to sharp cheddar depending on taste
• Parmesan: brings savory depth and a nutty undertone microplane right before adding for freshness
• Butter: keeps the base velvety and helps cheeses melt evenly
• Smoked paprika and garlic powder: echo flavors from the steak and infuse the entire pot
• Salt and black pepper: round out and lift all the cheese flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season generously with salt so the pasta absorbs flavor from the start. Add the penne and stir occasionally. Cook until just al dente tasting a piece around two minutes before the box suggests. Drain and set aside but do not rinse as you want the starch to help the sauce cling.

Season and Sear the Steak:

Pat steak pieces with paper towels so they brown not steam. Toss thoroughly with salt black pepper garlic powder smoked paprika and thyme. Heat olive oil over medium-high in your largest skillet. Add steak in a single layer in batches if needed for a deep sear. Sear undisturbed for about two to three minutes until deeply browned flip and repeat.

Add Garlic Butter to Steak:

Lower heat to medium. Drop in butter and minced garlic right into the pan swirling to coat every steak bite. Stir just until the garlic softens and the butter foams infusing the beef with intense flavor. Remove the pan from the burner so the garlic does not burn and set steak bites aside off heat.

Make the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce:

In a separate saucepan melt two tablespoons of butter over medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer not a boil. Stir in shredded Pepper Jack cheddar and Parmesan cheese in small handfuls letting each melt fully before adding more. Keep stirring until you have a smooth and thick sauce.

Season and Combine Pasta:

Sprinkle smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper into the cheese sauce. Mix until everything feels creamy and balanced. Add in the cooked penne and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.

Plate and Top:

Spoon creamy Pepper Jack pasta onto plates. Arrange garlic butter steak bites on top making sure to drizzle on any remaining garlic butter. Finish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan if you like for freshness and a pop of flavor.

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When I first made this for my husband he claimed it was his new favorite steak dinner which is saying something as he grew up in a family of steak lovers. My go-to ingredient is the smoked paprika which gives everything a subtle warmth without overpowering the garlic and cheese.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta sauce thickens overnight simply add a splash of milk or cream when reheating gently on the stove. Make sure steak pieces do not overcook when reheating by warming them separately and stirring them in at the end.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Pepper Jack cheese swap in Monterey Jack and a dash of crushed red pepper for heat. Use shell or rigatoni pasta if penne is out of stock. Ribeye or strip steak also works well if sirloin is unavailable. Greek yogurt can replace some cream for a lighter sauce but use full fat for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich dish with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or broccoli make quick vegetable sides. For a finishing touch sprinkle chopped chives or fresh parsley on top.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Creamy steak pastas like this are a riff on Italian-American comfort food classics merging Alfredo inspiration with the trend of skillet seared steak bites found in modern American steakhouses. The use of Pepper Jack cheese adds a Southwestern accent not typical in old-school Italian fare but so satisfying for a modern palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak can be substituted for a richer bite.

→ How do you achieve a creamy pasta sauce?

Combine heavy cream with Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over gentle heat, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne holds the sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli are also excellent alternatives for capturing the creamy cheese mixture.

→ What's the secret to extra flavorful steak bites?

Pat the steak dry, season generously, and sear in a hot skillet before finishing with garlic butter for rich, aromatic results.

→ How can I add more heat to the dish?

Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra spice in the sauce and steak.