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If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe. This irresistible meal brings together tender, juicy steak cubes seared to perfection, nestled on a bed of silky linguine coated in a luscious blend of garlic-infused cream, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella. Each bite bursts with rich flavor and creamy texture, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in creating a symphony of textures and tastes. From the luscious cream to the sharp Parmesan and melty mozzarella, every element contributes to the unforgettable flavor experience.
- 1 pound steak, cubed (ribeye or sirloin): Tender, flavorful meat that provides the hearty star of the dish.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: A perfect noodle that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in searing the steak to get that mouthwatering crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers melty, gooey indulgence and balanced creaminess.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the vibrant flavors.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds just the right subtle kick.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed steak generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches. This ensures every piece gets that gorgeous browned crust without over-crowding the pan. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully caramelized, then remove the steak bites and set them aside to rest.
Step 2: Craft the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute—this step releases that unmistakable, savory aroma that will soon coat your pasta and steak.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine the flavors. Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is luscious, smooth, and perfectly cheesy—this is what makes the dish irresistibly creamy and rich.
Step 4: Cook the Linguine and Combine
Meanwhile, cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, which will be handy for loosening the sauce if needed. Toss the pasta directly into the skillet with your cheese sauce, stirring to coat every strand beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve that perfect consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Steak and Garnish
Return the steak bites to the skillet, folding everything together to warm through and marry the flavors. For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and add a little extra Parmesan if you like. Your Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only brightens the plate but also balances the richness with its mild, herbaceous flavor. A final sprinkle of Parmesan adds a lovely salty finish and a touch of elegance that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully rich, so consider pairing it with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. They provide a refreshing contrast while keeping the focus on the cheesy garlic steak and creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the steak bites artfully atop a nest of creamy linguine on a warm plate makes the dish all the more inviting. For a cozy dinner, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or a dash of chili flakes on top for texture or a little kick. It’s a great way to make the presentation pop and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavors, store the sauce and pasta mixture separately from the steak bites when possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta with the sauce, but steak bites tend to get a bit tougher upon freezing. Consider freezing portions of just the linguine and cheese sauce if you want to preserve texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. This helps restore the dish’s creamy goodness without drying out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine works perfectly due to its shape and texture, you can swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Ribeye or sirloin steaks are ideal because they offer great flavor and tenderness, which are perfect for quick searing into bites. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate or cook longer.
Is this dish very spicy?
This recipe leans towards rich and savory rather than spicy. However, if you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic step is a great option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the creamy sauce is a key feature, you can try substituting with dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan cheeses, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from the original.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it until you reach your desired consistency. To thicken, let the sauce simmer a bit longer while stirring gently.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the combination of juicy steak bites and creamy linguine smothered in garlic and cheese, which is exactly why you should try the Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe as soon as you can. It’s satisfying, straightforward to prepare, and absolutely delicious—the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Cheesy Garlic Steak Bites over Creamy Linguine Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Savor the rich flavors of tender steak bites smothered in a luscious cheesy garlic sauce served over creamy linguine pasta. This quick and satisfying dish combines succulent seared ribeye or sirloin cubes with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses in a garlic-infused cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound steak, cubed (ribeye or sirloin)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Cheese Sauce & Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Season the cubed steak with salt and pepper evenly on all sides.
- Sear the Steak: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak cubes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Linguine: Meanwhile, cook the linguine pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Steak Bites and Pasta: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the pasta, or alternatively, serve the steak over the creamy linguine on each plate.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, use ribeye or sirloin for tender and flavorful steak bites.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak to ensure proper browning.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust cheese sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
