Air Fryer Steak Bites with Creamy Roasted Pepper Ranch Pasta

 Introduction

This recipe features juicy steak bites cooked in the air fryer, combined with creamy roasted pepper ranch pasta for a flavorful, hearty meal. The creamy sauce, made from roasted peppers and ranch, complements the steak beautifully, creating a balanced and indulgent dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Servings: 2–4

 Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

1 lb sirloin steak (or your preferred cut), cut into bite-sized cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Roasted Pepper Ranch Pasta:

8 oz rotini pasta (or your choice of pasta)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or roasted at home)

1/4 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

 Instructions

Cook the Steak Bites:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Place steak cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Steak bites should be golden brown on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium is ideal).

Cook the Pasta:

While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Make the Creamy Roasted Pepper Ranch Sauce:

In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, ranch dressing, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Combine Steak Bites and Pasta:

Once the steak bites are done and the pasta is cooked, toss the pasta with the creamy roasted pepper ranch sauce until well coated.

Gently stir in the cooked steak bites and toss everything together. Heat for another 2–3 minutes if needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Serve:

Plate the creamy pasta with steak bites, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve immediately, perhaps with some garlic bread or a side salad.

 Tips & Tricks

Steak Tips: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for best results. You can also marinate the steak bites for added flavor.

Creamy Sauce Variations: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra brightness.

Pasta Options: Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well in this dish.

Add Veggies: Sauté spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more veggies to the pasta.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or a simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing lemonade would pair nicely with this dish.

 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)