Description
Savory “Steak Bites and Penne in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce” promises an elegant Italian-inspired culinary journey. Succulent beef morsels nestled in creamy cheese-infused pasta create a luxurious dining experience for passionate cooks craving comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasonings and Herbs:
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain and reserve some cooking liquid for later use.
- Season steak cubes liberally with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Wait until butter shimmers and begins to foam.
- Carefully place seasoned steak pieces into the hot skillet, maintaining space between each cube to promote proper searing. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich golden crust.
- Transfer seared steak bites to a separate plate, preserving their juicy interior.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt additional butter. Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth base. Gently simmer while incorporating grated Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes velvety and uniform.
- Enhance sauce with red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to complement the rich flavors.
- Introduce cooked penne into the creamy sauce, coating each pasta piece thoroughly. If sauce appears thick, slowly integrate reserved pasta water.
- Reintroduce seared steak bites to the skillet, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly and allow flavors to meld.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, adding a vibrant herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately, presenting a luxurious combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Notes
- Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for melt-in-your-mouth steak bites that maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Patting steak dry before seasoning ensures a perfect golden-brown crust by removing excess moisture that prevents proper searing.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking steak bites to maintain high heat and achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior without steaming the meat.
- Add a splash of beef broth instead of pasta water for extra depth if you prefer a richer, more intense sauce flavor profile.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and more robust taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Create a gluten-free option by using zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta instead of traditional wheat penne.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition and color variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 738
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg