If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta recipe is your ticket to dinner heaven. It combines tender, juicy steak bites cooked in a sizzling garlic butter sauce with a creamy, smoky pasta that’s impossible to resist. The chipotle adds a subtle heat that perfectly complements the richness of the cream cheese and the savory steak. I tried this dish on a cool evening and was amazed at how easily it came together—restaurant-level taste in under 40 minutes. The contrast between the buttery steak and the velvety, spicy pasta makes every bite feel indulgent yet balanced. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something comforting with a touch of flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta because it delivers steakhouse-quality flavor with minimal effort. The steak is perfectly seared and coated in fragrant garlic butter, while the pasta brings creamy, smoky richness that ties the whole dish together. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—you can dial up the spice, switch the pasta type, or even swap the steak for chicken or shrimp.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta: A Bold, Comforting Dinner Duo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A decadent and flavorful combo of juicy garlic butter steak bites paired with smoky chipotle cream cheese pasta — the perfect balance of rich, creamy, spicy, and savory for an indulgent dinner night.
Ingredients
- 500 g sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- For the chipotle cream cheese pasta:
- 350 g penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 150 g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the steak bites with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the pan, and toss the steak bites for 30 seconds until coated in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In another large skillet, melt butter over medium heat for the pasta sauce. Add minced garlic and chopped chipotle pepper; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in adobo sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it.
- Top the pasta with garlic butter steak bites and drizzle over any extra garlic butter from the pan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak for best texture — sirloin or ribeye works perfectly.
- Adjust chipotle and adobo sauce amounts for desired heat level.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder flavor.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin or ribeye steak: Tender and flavorful, perfect for quick searing. Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
Butter: Forms the base of the garlic sauce, creating that rich, irresistible flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with deep, aromatic notes that elevate the steak.
Olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak without burning the butter.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out its natural flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to complement the chipotle in the pasta.
Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine): Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
Cream cheese: The key to a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce with a mild tang.
Chipotle peppers in adobo: Bring smoky heat and depth to the cream cheese sauce. Adjust to your spice preference.
Heavy cream: Balances the heat and gives the sauce a silky consistency.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and richness to the creamy sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that complements the smoky and buttery elements.
Directions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the steak bites. Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the steak. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak to the pan and toss to coat. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Start the chipotle cream sauce. In another skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add chopped chipotle peppers and sauté briefly. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add cheese and pasta. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Combine or serve separately. Plate the creamy chipotle pasta, top with garlic butter steak bites, and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the top.
- Finish with brightness. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 generous portions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. The steak reheats best when warmed separately to maintain tenderness. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce but can be made a day ahead for easy reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Steak Pasta: Replace chipotle with Cajun seasoning for a Southern-inspired twist.
Garlic Parmesan Version: Skip the chipotle and add more garlic and Parmesan for a milder, classic flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Chipotle Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for an earthy, hearty addition.
Shrimp and Chipotle Pasta: Swap the steak for shrimp for a lighter, seafood take.
Roasted Pepper Cream Sauce: Blend roasted red peppers into the cream cheese sauce for a sweeter smoky note.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak bites over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Herb Butter Finish: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter for extra aroma and depth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, flank or tenderloin also works well—just adjust the cooking time.
How spicy is this dish?
Moderately spicy; reduce chipotle for a milder flavor or increase for more heat.
Can I make it with chicken instead?
Absolutely—pan-seared chicken breast or thighs are excellent substitutes.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta can work, though the flavor will be milder.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the steak and pasta separate and combine before serving.
How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
Cook it over high heat briefly and avoid overcooking; medium-rare to medium is ideal.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A bold red like Malbec or Syrah complements both the steak and smoky pasta beautifully.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese Pasta brings together the best of both worlds—tender, garlicky steak and a luxuriously creamy, smoky pasta sauce. It’s a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to make yet tastes like something from your favorite restaurant. Perfect for cozy nights, date dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself, this dish delivers a punch of flavor and comfort in every bite.
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