There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish that combines the heartiness of steak with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the freshness of bell peppers. This Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties recipe is the perfect choice for those evenings when you crave something rich, colorful, and soul-satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a skillet-style meal that feels gourmet yet approachable—perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or even an impressive weeknight treat.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the classic steakhouse experience, reimagined in pasta form. Imagine juicy, golden-seared steak bites nestled in buttery bowtie pasta, surrounded by ribbons of sweet onion and vibrant bell peppers—all coated in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s comfort food elevated, bringing together layers of texture and flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients
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12 oz bowtie pasta
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup sweet onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), thinly sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup whole milk
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1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika
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Optional: chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce later. Drain and set aside. -
Sear the Steak
Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 3–5 minutes, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. -
Cook the Onions and Peppers
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Add the sliced bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3–4 minutes until tender and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a smooth and velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. -
Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta and steak bites to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. -
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at your table.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Notes
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Sweet onions like Vidalia add a caramelized richness that balances the savory cream sauce perfectly.
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Red or yellow bell peppers work best for both color and sweetness.
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Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for this recipe—they stay juicy and tender when seared.
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For a touch of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a hint of cayenne.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties so irresistible is the harmony between the rich and the fresh. You get tender, flavorful steak with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the crispness of bell peppers—all coated in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to each bowtie. It’s balanced yet indulgent, hearty but not heavy.
The dish also scores high on convenience. Everything comes together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this meal offers that “wow” factor without demanding complex techniques or rare ingredients.
It’s versatile too—great as a standalone dinner, or served with a simple side salad or garlic bread. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the steak, transforming an everyday pasta dish into something extraordinary.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak
Use sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor. These cuts stay tender even after searing, and their natural marbling enriches the sauce.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When searing steak bites, make sure they have space to brown evenly. Overcrowding traps steam, leading to gray, tough meat instead of golden crusts.
3. Caramelize the Onions Slowly
Patience pays off here—allow the onions to cook low and slow until they’re golden and soft. This builds depth and a hint of sweetness that enhances the entire dish.
4. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures a creamy, velvety sauce.
5. Reserve Pasta Water
That starchy liquid is your best friend for adjusting sauce consistency. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta without becoming watery.
Serving Suggestions
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With Garlic Bread: The creamy sauce begs for something to soak it up—crispy garlic bread is perfect for that.
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Side Salad: A light green salad with lemon dressing balances the richness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side.
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Family-Style Dinner: Serve straight from the skillet at the center of the table for a cozy, communal feel.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream. Stir gently until warmed through and the sauce returns to its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can dry out the steak and sauce.
If you’d like to prepare in advance, you can cook the steak, onions, and peppers a day ahead and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and reheat everything together in the sauce for a quick meal.
Nutritional Insight
While this dish is indulgent, it also offers nutritional balance. Steak provides a rich source of protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle repair. Bell peppers add a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while onions contribute natural sweetness and immune-boosting properties. The creamy sauce, though luxurious, can be adjusted to your preferences—use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Variations to Try
If you love to experiment, here are a few easy twists to make this recipe your own:
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Creamy Steak & Mushroom Bowties: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
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Spicy Steak & Jalapeño Bowties: For heat lovers, toss in finely sliced jalapeños.
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Garlic Herb Version: Add a blend of Italian herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
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Vegetable Boost: Include spinach or zucchini for extra greens.
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Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix in a bit of mozzarella or cream cheese for a richer, silkier sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowties hold the sauce beautifully, you can use penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Just choose a shape that captures the creamy sauce well.
2. What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the steak?
Sear it over high heat for a short time and remove it once browned. The steak will finish cooking gently when added back to the sauce, keeping it tender and juicy.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or oat cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will differ slightly but still be deliciously creamy.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The mild, creamy sauce and tender steak make it a family favorite. You can skip the red pepper flakes if serving to younger children.
Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish was inspired by the comforting flavors of classic steakhouse dinners—where creamy sides, tender meat, and sautéed vegetables come together in perfect harmony. But instead of serving them separately, this recipe combines everything into one cohesive meal. The idea was to create something that feels indulgent enough for special occasions but simple enough for busy weeknights.
By blending everyday ingredients with steakhouse flair, Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties captures the essence of cozy elegance. It’s a reminder that restaurant-quality meals don’t need to be complicated—you just need the right balance of flavors and a little time in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties is more than just another pasta dish—it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. Each bite delivers the richness of steak, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the brightness of bell peppers, all wrapped in a smooth Parmesan cream sauce that ties it all together.
It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy good food with the people you love. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a romantic evening, or simply to treat yourself, it’s sure to become one of those go-to favorites you’ll crave again and again.
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Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bell Pepper Bowties brings together the perfect mix of savory comfort and colorful freshness. Tender, juicy steak bites pair with caramelized sweet onions and sautéed bell peppers, all tossed with bowtie pasta in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a steakhouse classic but comes together effortlessly at home in under 40 minutes—ideal for cozy dinners, family meals, or when you simply want something indulgent yet balanced.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika
Optional: chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
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Season the steak bites generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the cooked steak and pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory perfection of this hearty pasta dish.
Notes
Sweet onions like Vidalia add a natural sweetness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Use red or yellow bell peppers for both color and flavor contrast.
Sirloin or ribeye are the best cuts for juicy, tender steak bites.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle kick of heat.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
