Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Cheddar Shells
A flavor-packed comfort food combo! Tender Cajun-spiced steak bites meet creamy, smoky chipotle cheddar shells for the ultimate weeknight dinner or date night indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Chipotle Cheddar Shells:
1 lb medium shell pasta
6 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1–2 tbsp chipotle pepper sauce (to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Prep the Steak Bites:
In a bowl, toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
2. Sear the Steak:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and repeat with the remaining steak and butter.
3. Add Garlic Butter:
Return all steak to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss steak bites in the garlic butter and remove from heat.
4. Cook the Shell Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Make the Chipotle Cheddar Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and stir until slightly thickened.
Add cream cheese and stir until smooth. Mix in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Stir in chipotle pepper sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve:
Add cooked pasta to the chipotle cheese sauce, stirring to coat. Plate the creamy shells and top generously with garlic butter steak bites.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Chipotle Cheddar Shells, Steak And Pasta