Garlic Butter Steak Bites Paired with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy parmesan pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that combines rich, savory flavors with a luxuriously creamy base. Perfectly seared, tender steak bites drenched in a garlic butter sauce meet a velvety, cheesy pasta, creating a harmonious and indulgent dish. This recipe is ideal for a special family dinner, a date-night meal, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality experience at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, quick preparation, and the ability to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant quality at home: It’s an elevated dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to make.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: The savory richness of steak bites complements the creamy, cheesy pasta for an unbeatable combination.
• Quick and easy: The recipe takes just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, herbs, or spices to tailor the dish to your tastes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Both the steak and pasta appeal to kids, adults, and anyone who loves a comforting, hearty meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving size: 1 plate (steak bites with pasta)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Steak: 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta: 12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Seasoning: ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for depth)
• Pasta water: ½ cup reserved from boiling the pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites

1. Cut the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove moisture (this ensures a good sear). Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Sear the steak: Place the steak pieces in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove the steak bites and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter. Garnish with parsley and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Melt butter and sauté garlic: In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 3: Serve

1. Plate the creamy parmesan pasta in shallow bowls or plates. Top each serving with a generous portion of garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with more parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Background

Steak

Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for this recipe because they’re flavorful and tender. Sirloin is leaner, while ribeye offers a richer, marbled texture. For a budget-friendly option, use flank steak, but be sure to cut against the grain for tenderness.

Garlic Butter

The garlic butter sauce is the star of the steak bites. Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth, while butter enhances the richness of the steak, creating a luxurious coating.

Pasta

Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works beautifully with creamy sauces, as the sauce clings to the strands. For a shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni are excellent choices, as their ridges hold the sauce well.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for the best flavor and a smooth sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can result in a gritty texture.

Technique Tips

• Achieve the perfect sear: Pat the steak dry and cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the meat to steam instead of searing.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Steak bites cook quickly due to their small size. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re browned and cooked to medium-rare or medium.
• Creamy sauce consistency: Adding pasta water to the sauce not only loosens it but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta, thanks to the starches in the water.
• Season as you go: Season the steak, pasta water, and sauce at different stages to ensure the dish is flavorful from start to finish.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Steak Pasta Bowl: Mix the steak bites directly into the pasta for a cohesive dish that’s easy to serve.
2. Appetizer Style: Serve the garlic butter steak bites with toothpicks as an appetizer alongside a small bowl of creamy Parmesan pasta.
3. Family-style Platter: Arrange the pasta in a large serving dish and pile the steak bites on top for a dramatic presentation at the dinner table.

Additional Tips for Success

• Room temperature steak: Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Use quality Parmesan: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano provides the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid splitting the sauce: Cook the cream sauce over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent it from curdling.

Recipe Variations

1. Herb Butter Steak Bites: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an herby twist.
2. Spicy Twist: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle sriracha into the garlic butter for heat.
3. Vegetable Additions: Toss sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes into the pasta for added nutrients and flavor.
4. Surf and Turf: Pair the steak bites with garlic butter shrimp for a luxurious surf-and-turf combo.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

• Store leftover steak bites and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the steak or separating the sauce.

Freezing

• While the pasta and cream sauce are best enjoyed fresh, the steak bites can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a little butter for best results.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Swap heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
• Whole-grain pasta: Replace regular pasta with whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
• Lean steak cuts: Choose lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a bottle of red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon, to impress guests.
• Romantic Date Night: Light candles and pair the meal with a creamy white wine like chardonnay for an elegant touch.
• Family Dinner: Add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side for a balanced and hearty family meal.

Special Equipment

• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving a perfect sear on the steak.
• Large saucepan: Necessary for cooking the pasta and making the sauce.
• Microplane or box grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
A: Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be used as substitutes for steak in this recipe.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use for this dish?
A: Fettuccine and linguine are traditional for creamy sauces, but shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni work well too.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A: Reheat the pasta with a splash of milk or cream in a pan over low heat. For steak bites, warm them in a skillet with a little butter.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the steak bites?
A: Cook the steak in small batches over high heat, flipping them quickly to achieve a perfect medium-rare.

Q: Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the steak bites and store them in the refrigerator, then make the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a plant-based cream alternative work as substitutes.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
A: Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are great additions to the pasta.

Conclusion

Garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy parmesan pasta is a decadent, satisfying meal that strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a celebratory occasion, or a romantic evening at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With tender steak, a luscious cream sauce, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent masterpiece!

Print