Description
This mouthwatering dinner idea combines juicy steak bites with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, served over spiraled rotini pasta that traps every bit of flavor. It’s a quick dinner option perfect for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Rich, savory, and packed with comforting textures, this easy recipe is a must-try for lovers of steak and pasta. It’s one of the best food ideas for a high-protein, satisfying meal, blending bold flavor with a cozy vibe. A great pick for anyone searching for easy dinner ideas or indulgent but quick comfort food.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 oz rotini pasta
Water, for boiling
1 tbsp salt, for pasta water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 handful arugula or baby spinach (optional)
Freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish
Extra parmesan, for topping
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites in batches, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat and melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Toss drained rotini into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen it.
8. Return steak bites to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
9. Garnish with parsley, extra parmesan, black pepper, and optional cherry tomatoes or greens. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the steak come to room temperature before searing for better browning.
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Only add steak back in at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hearty plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: steak pasta, creamy garlic parmesan, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food