Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cajun Spicy Alfredo Rotini Twist

---

🔥 Introduction:

This dish is a perfect fusion of comfort and kick. Tender steak bites are seared in a rich garlic butter, creating a savory base for a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce tossed with rotini pasta. The twist? Layers of bold spice and buttery decadence that balance each other perfectly. It’s a weeknight indulgence that eats like a steakhouse special.

---

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Cajun Spicy Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Rotini Pasta:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)

---

🔪 Instructions & Methods:

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (helps them sear properly).
2. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic.
6. Stir and coat steak in the melted garlic butter for about 1-2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and set aside. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same pan (don’t clean it—those steak juices are gold!), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let simmer another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Add cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat well.
2. Add the garlic butter steak bites on top or stir them in (depending on presentation preference).
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with toasted garlic bread or a light arugula salad.
• Top with extra Cajun seasoning or chili oil if you want to turn up the heat.
• Want to go full Southern? Add a side of blackened corn or sautéed green beans.

---

🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak—it’s better to do two quick batches than one soggy one.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Adjust spice level based on your Cajun seasoning brand—some are much saltier or hotter than others.

---