Description
This hearty and comforting dish brings together juicy steak bites, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. With rich flavors and the perfect balance of textures, it’s a family-friendly favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or your preferred cut), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions
For the Steak Bites:
- In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned steak cubes.
- Cook the steak bites for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the Pasta:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, making sure there are no lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using) to taste.
To Combine:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Add the cooked steak bites to the pasta and gently stir to combine.
- Serve the cheesy steak and pasta mixture in individual bowls.
To Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the steak for chicken or shrimp if you prefer.
- For a creamier sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan on top when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Keywords: Steak pasta, cheesy pasta, rotini pasta, steak bites, cheesy steak bites, comfort food, pasta with cheese sauce