Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:

12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1.⁠ ⁠Cook the Twisted Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2.⁠ ⁠Prepare the Steak Bites:

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer (do it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

Once cooked, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.

3.⁠ ⁠Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes here and cook for another 30 seconds.

Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce. Set aside once everything is coated.

4.⁠ ⁠Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

In a separate pan, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.