Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It combines tender steak, aromatic garlic butter, and creamy pasta into a complete meal that feels indulgent yet manageable for everyday cooking.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Rich, Restaurant-Style Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy garlic butter steak bites served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for a decadent, restaurant-style comfort meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
- In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Serve pasta topped with garlic butter steak bites and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Do not overcook the steak to keep it tender.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak provides the hearty protein element. Cuts such as sirloin or ribeye work well, staying tender when cooked quickly over high heat.
Butter adds richness and forms the base of the garlic sauce that coats the steak bites.
Garlic delivers bold aroma and flavor, enhancing both the steak and the pasta.
Olive oil helps achieve a good sear on the steak while preventing the butter from burning.
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef and pasta.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and depth.
Italian seasoning contributes subtle herbal notes that complement the richness of the dish.
Pasta forms the comforting base. Shapes such as fettuccine or penne hold the creamy sauce well.
Heavy cream creates the silky texture of the Parmesan sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, savory depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
Milk helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Fresh parsley adds freshness and visual contrast to the finished dish.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites in batches until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter and garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. For the pasta sauce, warm the cream and milk in a saucepan, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve the steak bites over or alongside the creamy Parmesan pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
A large skillet, a saucepan, a pasta pot, colander, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a spatula or wooden spoon.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes. Total time is roughly 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the pasta sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy steak bites
Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Chicken alternative
Replace steak with chicken breast or thighs.
Mushroom-enhanced pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms to the Parmesan sauce.
Garlic-forward version
Increase garlic for a bolder flavor profile.
Lightened sauce option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
What steak cut works best?
Sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly.
Is this dish very rich?
It is rich but balanced; adjusting cream can lighten it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but reheats well.
What pasta shapes work best?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are ideal.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Cook quickly over high heat and remove promptly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach or broccoli pair well.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if seasoning is kept mild.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, cook steak in batches to avoid overcrowding.
What garnish works best?
Fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavor-rich dish that brings together tender beef and luscious pasta in perfect harmony. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it is a dependable recipe that delivers both comfort and indulgence in every bite.
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