Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rotini in Cheddar Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~650 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds sirloin or strip steak, cut into thick steak-tip pieces
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the garlic butter. Once hot, add the steak tips and cook until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and chicken broth over medium heat. Once it’s warm, stir in the Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
4. Toss the cooked rotini in the cheesy sauce until well-coated.
... Read moreIf you're looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal fuss, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rotini recipe is a wonderful choice. One personal tip I’ve found useful is to use a blend of sirloin and strip steak for a balance of tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank. Cooking the steak tips in garlic butter not only enhances the richness but also adds a lovely aromatic depth that infuses the beef.
Regarding the cheesy rotini, simmering the sauce just until it thickens ensures that the pasta gets perfectly coated without becoming soggy. I like to stir in freshly grated Parmesan at the end to add a sharp, nutty finish that brightens the creamy cheddar base. For a little twist, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can provide a subtle smoky heat that complements the garlic butter steak.
For those aiming to make this dish a bit lighter, substituting half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or using a reduced-fat cheese can help cut calories while retaining creaminess. Also, tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli alongside the steak tips adds texture, color, and an extra dimension of flavor.
Beyond the recipe, the step-by-step preparation—starting with cooking the steak tips to your preferred doneness, while boiling the rotini separately—allows for easy pacing and multitasking in the kitchen. It’s a satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour, which is perfect for balancing flavorful meals with a busy schedule. This recipe’s hearty yet creamy combination truly offers a savory perfection that can quickly become a household favorite.