Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of bold flavors, then you’re in for a real treat! I can’t tell you how much I adore the combination of savory garlic parmesan steak bites paired with zesty Cajun twisted pasta. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! I remember the first time I made this dish for a cozy dinner with friends. The aroma of sizzling steak and garlic filled my kitchen, and everyone just couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, it’s a meal that brings people together, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. You’re going to love how simple yet delicious it is—let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This will help sear the steak and add a nice richness to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for that wonderful aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with steak.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a nice kick without overwhelming the taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This will give your steak a lovely color and a subtle smokiness.
- 8 ounces twisted pasta: Any twisted shape works great, but I love the way it holds onto the sauce!
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adjust to taste to give your pasta that spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped, for a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Cajun Twisted Pasta
Cooking the Steak Bites
First things first, let’s heat up that skillet! I like to use a cast-iron or non-stick pan for this. Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and warm it over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—this is when you know it’s the perfect time to add the steak. Toss in your 1 pound of sirloin steak pieces, making sure they’re spread out in a single layer. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika for that beautiful color and flavor. Cook these delicious bites for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Oh, that sizzle is music to my ears! Just a minute before you’re ready to take them off the heat, add in the 4 minced garlic cloves and let that garlic get fragrant—this only takes about a minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the steak. Yum!
Preparing the Cajun Twisted Pasta
While the steak bites are cooking, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and add in the 8 ounces of twisted pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Make sure to taste it as you go—nobody likes mushy pasta, right? Once it’s ready, drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it! You want that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick. In the same pot, toss the hot pasta with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This is where the magic happens—mix it all together until the pasta is evenly coated. Now you’re ready to serve! Plate the Cajun twisted pasta and top it with those luscious garlic Parmesan steak bites. Finish with a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for that pop of freshness. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold flavors from garlic and Cajun seasoning that will wow your taste buds.
- Hearty and satisfying, combining tender steak and delicious pasta.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
- Customizable for spice levels, so everyone can enjoy it!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your garlic parmesan steak bites, consider marinating the steak in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs for at least an hour before cooking. This adds fantastic flavor and tenderness! If you like a bit more heat, don’t hesitate to adjust the Cajun seasoning—add a little more for a spicy kick or tone it down for a milder taste. When cooking the pasta, remember to taste a piece a minute or so before the suggested cooking time ends to ensure it’s perfectly al dente. Trust me, no one wants mushy pasta ruining this delicious dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Absolutely! While I love using sirloin for its tenderness, you can also try ribeye or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the pieces.
Is this dish spicy? The heat level really depends on how much Cajun seasoning you add. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can always add more!
Can I make the pasta ahead of time? Sure thing! You can cook the twisted pasta in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently and toss with the Cajun seasoning.
What should I serve with this dish? This dish is hearty on its own, but a side salad or some garlic bread would pair beautifully. It adds a nice touch without taking away from the main event!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the steak bites and pasta separately. Just make sure they’re in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates! For each serving of garlic parmesan steak bites with Cajun twisted pasta, you can expect around 450 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Yes, please! To store your garlic parmesan steak bites with Cajun twisted pasta, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the steak bites and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat to bring back that delicious flavor and texture. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist—nobody likes dry pasta, right? Enjoy your leftovers as if they were freshly made!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.
To learn more about the nutritional value of Cajun seasoning, check out NCBI.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Cajun Twisted Pasta Wow!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Cajun Twisted Pasta is a flavorful dish combining tender steak and spicy pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounces twisted pasta
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring often.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Meanwhile, cook twisted pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta and toss with Cajun seasoning.
- Serve steak bites over Cajun twisted pasta and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak for an hour before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan steak bites, cajun twisted pasta
