Ingredients:
1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:
12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning the pieces to brown all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. For the Cajun Alfredo sauce, add the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. Stir the cooked steak bites into the pasta, mixing to combine.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4