If you’re craving a meal that combines rich, buttery steak with the indulgent comfort of creamy pasta, then the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. This dish takes tender, seared sirloin cubes and pairs them with a luscious Parmesan sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmony of flavors that feels both elegant and utterly satisfying. The garlic butter adds a fragrant, savory punch that makes every bite memorable, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out bold flavors and creamy textures. Simple yet powerful, these components come together to create a dish that feels gourmet without any fuss.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes: Choose fresh, high-quality steak for tender bites that sear beautifully.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible garlic butter coating.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic provides aromatic depth that elevates the steak bites.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the steak, it ensures a perfect crust without burning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance flavors.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional): Gives a subtle smoky hint that amps up the savory profile.
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti: Long pasta strands that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: For the Parmesan sauce base, adding extra silkiness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the sauce with that signature garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that cheesy, umami flavor.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a faint warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, herbal garnish that livens up the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy later for adjusting the sauce consistency. Set your perfectly cooked pasta aside for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This oil will help you get a fantastic golden sear on your steak bites without sticking. Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd them, so they brown nicely instead of steaming.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized crust. If you’re using smoked paprika, sprinkle it on now for an extra layer of flavor. Once browned and cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, stir in the unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing just for about a minute until the garlic releases its inviting aroma but doesn’t brown. Toss the steak bites back in and coat them in this fragrant garlic butter mixture before removing the pan from heat. You now have perfectly tender, flavor-packed steak bites ready to star in this dish.
Step 5: Make the Parmesan Sauce
Using a clean skillet or the same one wiped down, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic again, sautéing briefly to infuse the butter. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper, striking a perfect balance of comforting, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Combine
Now the magic happens: stir the cooked pasta into your creamy Parmesan sauce. If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for an ideal silky texture that clings to each strand. Nestle the garlic butter steak bites on top and give everything a gentle toss to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately so every forkful is warm, creamy, and packed with that savory garlic butter steak flavor that makes this recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet essential garnish that brightens the dish visually and adds a mild, fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the steak and Parmesan sauce. You can also drizzle a little extra melted butter or sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a hearty main, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for balance. A crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta twirled into nests on individual plates with steak bites artfully scattered on top. Use a drizzle of extra garlic butter or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for visual appeal. For family-style dining, the steak bites over a large serving bowl of creamy pasta, garnished with parsley, create an inviting centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak and sauce flavors meld even more after a day, but it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because creamy sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, separate the steak bites and pasta with sauce into individual portions and use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency without it drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the steak tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for tenderness and flavor, ribeye or New York strip are excellent alternatives that bring rich marbling and juiciness to the steak bites. Just adjust cooking time if your pieces are thicker.
What type of pasta works best with this creamy Parmesan sauce?
Fettuccine and spaghetti are classic choices due to their long strands that cling to the sauce beautifully. However, you can also use penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce in their tubes, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy, though the sauce texture will vary slightly.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked just right?
Steak bites cook quickly and should be seared until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. They should be warm and slightly pink inside for medium-rare, or cooked longer if you prefer well done. Use a meat thermometer if in doubt.
Is it okay to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and steak bites ahead, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to maintain creaminess and warmth. Reheat the sauce separately and combine everything gently when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how effortlessly the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe brings gourmet flavors right to your table without complicated steps. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is so simple to make, perfect for impressing loved ones or treating yourself after a long day. Give it a try, and prepare for some serious savoring moments!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection in garlic butter, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe balances savory steak bites with a luscious, cheesy pasta sauce, making for a perfect comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Sear the Steak: Add steak cubes to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, stir in 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter to coat well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: In the skillet, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce, stirring to combine. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor to the steak.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Rest steak briefly after cooking to retain juices if preferred.
