Description
Savory cheesy steak bites and rotini pasta invite home cooks on a culinary journey through hearty flavors. Succulent beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for steak)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp steak seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook rotini until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
- Steak Seasoning and Searing: Coat steak pieces with Cajun spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Sear meat morsels until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Cheese Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, craft a rich sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Simmer until the mixture thickens, then fold in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and silky. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Final Assembly: Combine rotini with the luxurious cheese sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Gently fold in seared steak bites to distribute evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while piping hot, showcasing a delectable fusion of savory meat and creamy pasta.
Notes
- Sear Meat Carefully: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without steaming the steak bites.
- Prevent Cheese Sauce Clumping: Whisk flour and milk slowly and consistently to create a smooth, lump-free sauce, ensuring gradual temperature increase.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for optimal melting and rich flavor complexity in the sauce.
- Balance Spice Levels: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for different palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg