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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rotini with Steak Bites

creamy garlic parmesan rotini - featured image
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This comforting weeknight dinner features juicy herb-crusted steak bites paired with rotini pasta tossed in a silky, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (ribeye or strip steak works too)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 12 oz rotini pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • Optional: 2 cups baby spinach
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Pat steak dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add drained rotini to skillet and toss until evenly coated in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
  8. Return steak bites (and any juices) to skillet. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Add optional peas, spinach, or mushrooms if desired.
  9. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or parmesan as needed.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan and a hot skillet for steak. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Easily adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Add veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak bites, creamy pasta, garlic parmesan, rotini, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Italian, easy recipe, high protein, skillet meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-rotini-with-steak-bites-easy-weeknight-dinner-recipe/