Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Absolutely! Here’s a complete, long-form recipe for a bold and indulgent dish: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta — a restaurant-worthy combination full of flavor, richness, and flair.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

(Savory Steak, Creamy Heat, and Perfectly Twisted Pasta in Every Bite)

Introduction

This dish is a flavor-packed fusion of juicy garlic butter-seared steak bites and twisted pasta smothered in a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce. The savory richness of steak contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy pasta, offering an exciting take on classic comfort food. It’s bold, indulgent, and deeply satisfying — perfect for a hearty dinner, special occasion, or when you’re simply craving something decadent.

Origin of the Recipe

This recipe draws from several culinary traditions:

• Steak bites are a popular modern American dish — quick to cook, easy to serve, and full of bold, beefy flavor.
• Alfredo sauce originates from Italian-American cuisine, adapted from the Roman version with butter and cheese, to a richer, cream-based version.
• Cajun seasoning and Southern influences infuse heat and smokiness into the creamy sauce, while twisted pasta shapes like rotini or gemelli capture every bit of the sauce in their spirals.

The result? A dish that blends American steakhouse flair, Italian creaminess, and Louisiana heat into one unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1½ lbs (680g) sirloin steak, ribeye, or NY strip, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, gemelli, or cavatappi)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat preference)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients & Add-Ins

• Add 1 cup of sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the pasta for extra texture
• Swap steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein
• Add ¼ cup cream cheese to Alfredo for extra richness
• Stir in spinach at the end of cooking for a pop of green
• Garnish with lemon zest or a dash of hot sauce for brightness and zing

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
3. Add steak in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Do not overcrowd — work in batches if needed.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, and stir continuously, basting the steak for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Remove from heat and cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
3. Slowly add cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. Simmer gently, stirring until thickened — about 5–7 minutes. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
2. Plate pasta and top generously with the garlic butter steak bites.
3. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the skillet on top.
4. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use well-marbled steak (like ribeye) for tender, juicy bites.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking steak — searing is key for flavor.
• Cook the garlic in butter at a lower temp to avoid burning.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-grated won’t melt smoothly.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice level — some blends are saltier or hotter than others.

Serving & Recommendations

• Serve with:
  
  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette
  • A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Roasted broccoli or asparagus for greens
• Pairs well with:
  
  • Chardonnay, Zinfandel, or a cold lager
  • Sparkling water with lime for a refreshing contrast

Nutrition Estimate

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	800–900 kcal
Total Fat	50g
Saturated Fat	23g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugars	3g
Protein	45–50g
Sodium	900–1100mg
Fiber	2g

Note: These values vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.