The Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent garlic butter steak bites dance alongside a creamy parmesan pasta that promises pure culinary magic.

Weeknight dinners deserve something spectacular and exciting.

Rich, tender meat pieces melt with buttery goodness against silky noodles.

Robust flavors will make you feel like a professional chef without complex techniques.

Each bite combines savory steak and luscious sauce in perfect harmony.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for hungry souls craving comfort and elegance.

Jump into this delightful meal that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience.

Steak Bites With Garlic Butter and Creamy Pasta

  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delectable dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Quick-and-Easy Flavor Explosion: Combine perfectly seared steak bites with a luxurious creamy Parmesan sauce that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, ensuring a satisfying dinner that impresses everyone at the table.
  • Versatile Comfort Food Masterpiece: Adaptable to different preferences by adjusting steak doneness, spice levels, and pasta types, this recipe offers a customizable dining experience that appeals to both meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts.
  • One-Skillet Convenience: Minimize cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dish-washing time, making this recipe a hassle-free solution for home cooks seeking efficiency and deliciousness.

What Builds Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Pasta

Protein:
  • Sirloin Steak: Tender beef cut with rich flavor, best when cut into bite-sized pieces and seared quickly at high heat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Key seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the meat, freshly ground recommended.
Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine, Spaghetti: Classic pasta shapes that hold creamy sauce well, choose high-quality Italian pasta for best texture.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Garlic: Rich base for creating depth of flavor, use fresh garlic for most robust taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture, full-fat version preferred.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity to sauce, freshly grated recommended over pre-packaged.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear steak and prevent sticking, use extra virgin for best flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note, chopped just before serving.
Optional Spice:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and optional kick to the dish, adjust to personal spice preference.

Steak Bites Garlic Butter Method

Step 1: Create Pasta Perfection

Boil fettuccine or spaghetti until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture.

Scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.

Let the pasta rest while you work your magic on the steak.

Step 2: Unleash Steak Searing Power

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil over a medium-high flame.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over your steak pieces.

Carefully place the steak bites into the hot skillet, making sure they’re not crowding each other.

Let them sizzle and dance for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Transfer the steak bites to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Sauce Magic

In the same skillet that’s still holding all those delicious steak drippings, melt butter until it’s bubbling softly.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its aromatic charm for about a minute.

Pour in heavy cream and stir everything together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.

Shower the sauce with grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts into a silky smooth consistency.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, twirling to ensure every strand gets a luxurious coating.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Gently reunite the steak bites with the pasta, letting them mingle in the sauce.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Searing Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

  • Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Save the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add silky texture to your creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Cook steak bites in batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps achieve even browning and prevents steaming instead of searing.
  • Remove the sauce from direct heat when adding Parmesan to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative.

Steak Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm steak bites and pasta in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water, stirring constantly to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
  • Add fresh chopped parsley after reheating to brighten flavors and restore some visual appeal to the dish.

Creamy Complements for Garlic Steak Bites

  • Pair Perfectly Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty steak bites and creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Create Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
  • Balance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add a healthy, slightly charred side that matches the steak's robust flavor.

Steak Bites with Parmesan Pasta Flavor Blends

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the delicious garlic butter steak flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of regular pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal without compromising taste.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute steak bites with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the same cooking method and seasoning for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, creating a creamy sauce that works for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

  • What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are excellent choices. Look for well-marbled, tender cuts that can be quickly seared and remain juicy.

  • How do I ensure my steak bites are perfectly cooked?

Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, and use a meat thermometer for precise doneness. Medium-rare is typically around 135°F.

  • Can I make this dish less creamy?

Reduce the heavy cream amount or substitute half with milk. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter sauce while maintaining richness.

  • Is this recipe keto-friendly?

The steak and sauce are keto-compatible, but replace pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to keep the dish low-carb and aligned with keto dietary requirements.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta deliver a restaurant-quality meal straight to home kitchens. Rich flavors and tender meat combine with silky pasta, promising a quick and luxurious dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

Steak Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Initiate pasta preparation by submerging fettuccine in boiling water, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Extract and preserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the noodles.
  2. Select a robust skillet and warm olive oil over high temperature. Meticulously season steak morsels with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful exterior.
  3. Carefully distribute steak pieces across the heated surface, allowing each morsel to develop a rich golden-brown crust. Rotate pieces precisely to achieve even caramelization, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer seared steak bites to a holding plate, maintaining their temperature and succulence.
  5. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly one minute.
  6. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Gently simmer the mixture while incorporating Parmesan cheese until a velvety, uniform sauce emerges.
  7. Season the creamy mixture with subtle salt, cracked pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  8. Integrate cooked pasta into the silky sauce, ensuring complete and elegant coating. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water.
  9. Reunite steak bites with the pasta, gently folding to distribute heat and flavors evenly.
  10. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling fresh parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Prevent tough steak by not overcrowding the skillet, which drops temperature and leads to steaming instead of searing.
  • Select high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness and rich flavor profile.
  • Achieve perfect pasta texture by salting water generously and testing doneness before final cooking stage.
  • Customize sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, adding gradually to create silky, clingy sauce without becoming watery.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 676
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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