Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a dish that brings me straight back to my roots. Growing up, we didn’t need a reason to enjoy something rich and homey—just a hot skillet, some garlic, and whatever cut of beef was on hand. I’ve carried that spirit into this recipe: simple, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
The steak bites are seared quickly in garlic butter until golden and tender, while the creamy parmesan pasta delivers that silky, cheesy richness that hugs every bite. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting but also a little special, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday treat.
Table of Contents
Best Cuts and Creamy Base for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Choosing the Best Steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Why Cut Matters
The foundation of garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta starts with a quality cut of beef. You don’t need to splurge—sirloin is affordable and ideal. It’s tender, cooks quickly, and holds up beautifully to a hot sear. Want more richness? Ribeye or flat iron steaks offer great marbling and flavor.
How to Prep the Steak Right
Cut the steak into uniform cubes—about 1 to 1½ inches—to ensure even cooking. Let the pieces sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. This small step helps them brown better and cook evenly. Pat the meat dry, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika. Sear in a hot skillet with butter and garlic, making sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Browning is the goal, not steaming.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce
Best Pasta for Creamy Dishes
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are best for garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta. Their curves and ridges trap the sauce, creating a perfectly coated bite.
Cream Sauce That Brings It Together
In the same skillet used for the steak (leave the browned bits!), melt butter, then add heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Stir gently over low heat. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. The result is creamy, garlicky, and deeply savory.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a bold, comforting dish with juicy steak and silky, cheesy noodles—ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, smashed
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz penne or cavatappi pasta
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Chopped parsley and lemon (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season steak bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear steak in batches with garlic until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Remove steak and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter, heavy cream, and parmesan. Stir until smooth.
6. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin sauce.
7. Return drained pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
8. Add steak bites back into the pan and toss gently to combine.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon zest if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron steak for best results.
Swap cream for half-and-half or almond milk + cornstarch for a lighter version.
Great with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli mixed in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta, steak pasta recipe, easy creamy steak dinner
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
For the Steak Bites
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak (or flat iron/ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi recommended)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or use steak pan drippings)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup)
Optional Add-ins: red pepper flakes, fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), roasted garlic paste
Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in a Healthier Way
Lighten Up Without Losing Flavor
Choose Leaner Cuts and Smarter Fats
If you’re watching your calories or fat intake, making garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta a little lighter is easier than you’d think. Start by choosing a leaner cut of steak—sirloin is already a great choice, but flank or top round are even leaner. Trim visible fat before cooking to reduce excess grease.
Try using a blend of olive oil and light butter in equal parts instead of only butter to reduce saturated fat while keeping the flavor rich. You still get that golden sear and rich flavor, but with fewer saturated fats. You can also cut the butter quantity slightly and boost the garlic for flavor without the fat.
Swap the Cream and Pasta for Lighter Versions
Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and keep you fuller longer. These hold up well in creamy sauces and add nutrients. For the sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even unsweetened oat or almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickening.
Using grated parmesan sparingly and boosting flavor with garlic, lemon zest, or nutritional yeast can also reduce calories while keeping that cheesy feel.
Boost Nutrition with Veggies and Balance
Add Veggies to Round It Out
Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli during the final toss. These veggies soak up the sauce beautifully and stretch the serving size without adding too many calories.
Pair With a Fresh Side
Serve the pasta with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar. It adds crunch, brightness, and keeps your meal balanced.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Easy Ways to Customize Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Add Heat or Herbs
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta are delicious as-is, but small tweaks can make them your own. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while searing the steak. Want something herbal? A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme gives earthy balance to the richness.
Swap the Cheese or Boost the Garlic
While parmesan is classic, you can mix it up with pecorino romano for a saltier bite or asiago for nuttiness. And if you’re like me and can never get enough garlic, stir in roasted garlic paste to the sauce—it adds depth without sharpness.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Pasta
Fresh, Light Sides
Because the dish is rich, pair it with something light and crisp. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the buttery pasta. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also bring a nice crunch and freshness.
Bread or No Bread?
While creamy pasta and garlic butter steak bites are satisfying on their own, adding warm garlic bread makes the meal feel complete. Use it to swipe up extra sauce—it’s worth it. But if you’re keeping things lighter, a slice of crusty sourdough is enough to round things out.
How to Store and Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
How to Serve This Creamy, Flavor-Packed Meal
Serve It Hot and Fresh
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta are best enjoyed immediately. Once everything’s combined in the pan, dish it out while the sauce is still velvety and the steak bites are juicy. For a special touch, warm your plates before serving—this keeps the pasta hotter longer and feels like something out of a bistro kitchen.
Add Finishing Touches
Finish the dish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan and tossing in some freshly chopped parsley. If there’s any leftover garlic butter in the pan, pour it over the top for an extra burst of flavor. A quick squeeze of lemon over each plate adds brightness and cuts through the richness in just the right way.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Cool, Store, and Seal
Let the pasta and steak cool completely before storing. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but it’s easy to bring it back to life with a little added liquid.
Reheat Without Drying Out
For best results, reheat this dish gently on the stovetop. Add a little heavy cream, broth, or milk while stirring over low heat to maintain a creamy texture and keep the steak tender. While microwaving is an option, it can make the beef dry out more easily.
Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta blend bold flavor with cozy, down-to-earth comfort—just the kind of meal that feels both special and familiar. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or making it to impress guests, this dish delivers every time.
From the seared, juicy steak to the creamy, cheesy pasta, every bite tells a story of good ingredients and simple, satisfying cooking. And what I love most? You can customize it to your needs—make it lighter, add veggies, or keep it rich and indulgent. This dish is versatile and always a hit, making it an easy addition to your weekly meal plan.
At Familiar Recipes, we celebrate meals that bring people together and remind us of where we came from. I hope this recipe brings warmth and happiness to your table, just like it does at mine.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
What is the best steak for steak bites?
Sirloin is one of the top choices for steak bites because it’s tender, full of flavor, and budget-friendly. Other great options include flat iron, ribeye for more marbling, or even New York strip. Just avoid tougher cuts like chuck unless they’re well-marinated. The key is to cut the steak into uniform cubes and sear them quickly for the best texture and flavor.
How to make garlic butter like Gordon Ramsay?
To make garlic butter the Gordon Ramsay way, use unsalted butter softened to room temperature, then mix in finely chopped garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and lemon juice. Ramsay often uses it to baste steaks in a hot pan, spooning the melted butter over the meat for deep, rich flavor. For a closer match, use a cast iron skillet and sear over high heat for that restaurant-level crust.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta. Also, double-check that your parmesan and seasonings are gluten-free, as some brands may add fillers or anti-caking agents.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Start with room-temperature steak, pat it dry, and sear it in a very hot pan with space between pieces. Cook for just 1–2 minutes per side depending on the cube size.Take the steak out of the pan as soon as it’s browned to keep it tender and juicy inside. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of getting a nice sear.