Steak Bites Penne Parmesan

Steak bites and penne in creamy garlic parmesan sauce is the kind of dinner that never fails to impress yet comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight I started making it after a long day and my family could not believe something so decadent took just thirty minutes

You can make this entire meal in one pan if you plan ahead After making this on a cold evening it instantly became my go to for comforting dinners that feel special without any fuss

Ingredients

• Steak cut into bite sized pieces: Juicy tender protein and the star of this meal Choose a well marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor
• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly Use bronze cut pasta if available for that extra sauce grip
• Butter: Creates a rich base for cooking the steak Choose unsalted butter so you control the seasoning
• Garlic minced: Delivers bold aroma and depth Fresh garlic is essential for full flavor
• Heavy cream: The secret to a lush velvety sauce Look for high quality cream for best results
• Parmesan cheese grated: Melts into the sauce for that nutty salty finish Use fresh grated and avoid pre shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning Taste and adjust right before serving
• Fresh parsley chopped: Brightens the final dish with freshness Only add at the very end to preserve the flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add penne pasta and stir Let it cook until al dente per package directions Drain well and set aside This ensures the pasta stays firm and ready to soak up the sauce

Prepare the Aromatics:

Place a large skillet over medium heat Add butter and let it melt until it is just starting to foam Add the minced garlic and cook stirring for two minutes until the scent fills your kitchen This slow cook draws out all the sweet notes from garlic

Sear the Steak:

Increase the heat to medium high Add steak bites in a single layer Let them brown for a couple of minutes on each side until a golden crust forms This develops flavor and keeps the steak juicy inside Remove the steak to a plate so it does not overcook

Make the Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and scrape up any brown bits from the steak Simmer gently for about two minutes until the cream thickens Stir in parmesan cheese a little at a time until it fully melts into a smooth sauce

Combine Everything:

Add cooked penne and steak bites back into the skillet Toss to coat everything in the sauce Taste and add salt and pepper as needed Let it all simmer for another minute so the flavors meld Each piece of penne should be glossy and creamy

Finish and Serve:

Turn off the heat Sprinkle over fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor Serve right away for the most luscious texture

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Fresh parmesan gives the best creamy texture and taste Once I upgraded from pre grated cheese to freshly shredded parmesan the difference was like night and day The kids love sneaking extra cheese on top while I remember the first night I made this dinner with laughter filling the kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce will firm up but a splash of cream when reheating brings everything back to that silky texture Microwaving in short bursts or reheating gently on the stove works best to keep the steak juicy

Ingredient Substitutions

No penne on hand Swap with rigatoni or farfalle and it will still hold the sauce well For a lower carb version use zucchini noodles Swap heavy cream with half and half for a lighter but still creamy sauce Fresh basil is a nice topping too if you are out of parsley

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Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of this dish I also love a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus for crunch A glass of red wine or chilled sparkling water makes it feel like a true restaurant meal

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy pasta dishes with steak are an American Italian favorite blending classic steakhouse flavors with Italian comfort food While not an Italian tradition this type of dish takes inspiration from rich Alfredo sauces and the love of hearty satisfying meals shared around the family table

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep steak bites tender?

Cook steak cubes over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Remove from pan once browned to preserve juiciness.

→ Can I substitute another pasta for penne?

Yes, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta to hold the creamy sauce well.

→ Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with half and half for a lighter texture.

→ How can I enhance the garlic flavor?

Add extra garlic cloves or finish with a sprinkle of roasted garlic for deeper flavor notes.

→ What is the best cut of steak to use?

Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work well for bite-sized pieces with flavorful, tender results.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to preserve texture.