In the realm of home-cooked meals, few things can rival the mouthwatering combination of perfectly seared steak and creamy pasta. Enter Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Roasted Garlic Pimento Pasta—a dish that marries the rich flavors of tender steak bites with the creamy, indulgent nature of roasted garlic and pimento-infused pasta. This recipe is a celebration of robust flavors, offering a gourmet experience that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a delightful meal for the family, this dish promises to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details of how you can recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen.
**Recipe**
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Roasted Garlic Pimento Pasta is a dish that epitomizes comfort and elegance. It combines juicy, flavorful steak bites seared in a garlic-infused butter with a luscious pasta sauce made creamy with roasted garlic and sharp cheddar cheese. The pimentos add a slight sweetness and a pop of color, making every bite as visually appealing as it is delicious. This dish is perfect for those who love the comforting taste of garlic and cheese but are also looking for a sophisticated twist with the addition of steak.
**Ingredients**
For the Steak Bites:
– 1½ lbs of sirloin or ribeye, cut into cubes
– 3 tablespoons of butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon of paprika
For the Pimento Pasta:
– 12 ounces of penne or rotini pasta
– 1½ cups of heavy cream
– ½ cup of roasted garlic (roast a whole bulb and squeeze out the cloves)
– 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup of diced pimentos
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A pinch of cayenne pepper
**Directions/Instructions**
1. **Cook the Pasta**: Begin by boiling your chosen pasta—penne or rotini—in a large pot of salted water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Creamy Sauce**: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and roasted garlic. Warm over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the roasted garlic pieces are too chunky, you can use an immersion blender to achieve a smoother consistency. Once warmed, add the sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
3. **Sear the Steak Bites**: While the sauce simmers, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed steak to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the steak bites for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Transfer the cooked pasta into the saucepan with the creamy garlic sauce. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. **Serve**: Plate the creamy pimento pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the steak bites for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors in each bite.
**FAQ**
1. **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Yes, you can substitute penne or rotini with any pasta you have on hand. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente to hold the sauce well.
2. **How do I roast garlic?**
To roast garlic, slice off the top of a whole garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
3. **What can I substitute for pimentos?**
If pimentos are unavailable, roasted red peppers are a great substitute. They offer a similar sweetness and texture.
4. **Can I make this dish ahead of time?**
While the steak bites are best when freshly cooked, you can make the pasta sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
5. **Is there a way to make this dish lighter?**
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used for searing the steak.
**Conclusion**
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Roasted Garlic Pimento Pasta is a delectable dish that brings together the luxurious flavors of steak and creamy pasta, enhanced by the aromatic allure of garlic and the subtle sweetness of pimentos. It is a perfect choice for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight meal. The recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in the comfort of your home. We hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a meal that is both comforting and indulgent. Bon appétit!