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