Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Here’s a  recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta. I’ll break down each part for you:

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. Cook the steak: Add steak bites in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary so you don’t overcrowd the pan). Sear for about 2-3 minutes without moving them so they get a nice crust.

4. Flip and finish cooking: Flip the bites and cook for another 2 minutes or until your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium is ideal).

5. Add garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium, add the butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, coating the steak bites with the butter sauce.

6. Add parsley & pepper flakes: Toss with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.

7. Serve immediately — these steak bites are juicy and perfect for dipping or topping your pasta.

Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or any spiral pasta)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust based on spice preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add cream and spices: Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add cheese: Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated and heated through.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Optionally, drizzle a little extra melted butter or sprinkle more Parmesan on top.

Serving Suggestion:

Plate the spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta and top it with the garlic butter steak bites for a rich, flavorful, and spicy meal. This combo pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed veggies.