Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

Are you ready for a meal that packs a punch in both flavor and comfort? Picture this: tender steak bites seared to perfection in garlic butter, paired with creamy, smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta that’s just the right level of spicy and rich. Together, these two dishes create a harmonious balance of savory, creamy, and just enough heat to keep things exciting. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

This dish is a game-changer for dinner time. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date night, or family dinner, this meal is perfect for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly: Steak bites and pasta may sound fancy, but it’s an affordable meal you can prepare in no time without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: It’s the perfect quick meal—ready in under 30 minutes—so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy something delicious.

Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chipotle in the pasta sauce, making it just the way you like it.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s the steak bites or the creamy pasta, this dish will definitely have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

Steak Bites:

• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): The tender, juicy bites that are packed with flavor. You can choose any cut you prefer, but a good, marbled steak works best for this dish.
• Butter: Adds that rich, savory flavor and helps caramelize the steak, giving it a nice golden crust.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish that aromatic punch that complements the richness of the steak perfectly.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme): A little fresh herb garnish to elevate the flavor and bring a pop of color to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the steak bites and bring out all the natural flavors.

Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta:

• Pasta (Spaghetti or Penne): The base of the dish. You can use your favorite pasta, but something with a bit of surface area, like penne, holds the sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: Creates that velvety smooth texture and gives the sauce its creamy, tangy base.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These peppers provide a smoky heat that perfectly complements the creamy pasta sauce.
• Heavy Cream: To make the sauce rich and silky.
• Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better, adding a fragrant layer to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an added depth of flavor and that perfect cheesy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the pasta sauce and balance the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible combo:

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Steak Bites: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter and add the garlic. Once fragrant, add the steak bites and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chipotle peppers. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chipotle cream sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Once the pasta is well coated, add the steak bites on top and gently stir to combine.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and steak, and garnish with additional fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
(Note: Calories are approximate based on standard ingredient measurements.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal. You could even serve it with roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance out the flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or use a milder pepper like jalapeño.
• Make sure not to overcook the steak; it should remain tender and juicy inside.
• For an extra kick, add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for even more smokiness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
   Yes, you can easily substitute chicken breast or thighs for the steak. Just be sure to cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through.
2. Can I make the sauce without cream cheese?
   If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even ricotta for a similar creamy texture.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Absolutely! Add more chipotle peppers or even a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat to your liking.
4. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, but I recommend something with a bit of surface area, like penne or fettuccine, to hold the creamy sauce well.
5. Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the steak bites in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Reheat them in the skillet before adding them to the pasta.
6. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
   I wouldn’t recommend freezing the pasta, as cream-based sauces don’t freeze well and can separate when reheated.
8. What if I don’t have chipotle peppers?
   You can use smoked paprika and a little cayenne pepper for a smoky and spicy flavor, or even try using another chili pepper like ancho.
9. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes! You can skip the steak and use sautéed mushrooms or another plant-based protein to make this dish vegetarian.
10. What should I serve this with?
    Garlic bread, a light salad, or roasted veggies make excellent sides to complement the richness of this dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta is the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a hearty meal, this dish has all the elements to satisfy your cravings. Tender steak, creamy pasta, and just the right amount of spice—what’s not to love? Enjoy every bite!

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