Indulge in the perfect balance of savory steak bites and creamy penne pasta, all brought together with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This dish is a comforting yet elegant meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak bites with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steak to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Pair this rich and creamy dish with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A slice of garlic bread can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s texture.
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for the steak bites?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or tenderloin for a more luxurious option, or use flank steak for a more economical choice.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can work as substitutes, though the sauce may be less rich.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the steak bites and sauce separately and store them. Combine and reheat with the pasta just before serving.
4. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free penne and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Steak Bites and Penne in Garlic Parmesan velvety Sauce
Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with this recipe for Steak Bites and Penne in a Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce. Tender steak pieces are seared to perfection and combined with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Bites:
- Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the steak pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and gently mix to combine all the components.
- Serve:
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Steak Selection: Sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but other tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin can also be used.
- Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni based on your preference.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.