Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Creamy Parmesan Pasta make for an irresistible comfort meal packed with bold flavors and luxurious texture. Tender steak bites are seared and coated in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce infused with thyme and rosemary, while the creamy Parmesan pasta complements the steak with rich, cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
You will love the juicy steak pieces bursting with garlic and herbs, balanced perfectly by silky, cheesy pasta shells that melt in your mouth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty dish feeds a crowd and delights every palate.
For The Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For The Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Create Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
Season steak pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer, avoid overcrowding, and sear until browned and cooked to your liking, about 3-5 minutes per side depending on size. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme and rosemary.
Step 4: Finish the Steak Bites
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through and infuse flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and heat gently until warm and slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or more cream to loosen.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
My Best Tips for This Dish
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Cut steak into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
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Use a heavy skillet for a good sear and flavorful crust.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan cook steak in batches if necessary.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and taste.
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Adjust garlic and herbs according to your flavor preference.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra texture and nutrients.
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Use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried for vibrant aroma.
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Substitute fettuccine or linguine for pasta shells if preferred.
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Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for acidity and complexity.
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Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon work well. Adjust cooking time for thickness.
How do I keep steak bites tender?
Don’t overcook and let steak rest before slicing if using a larger cut.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free version.
Can I prepare this meal ahead?
Cook steak and pasta separately; reheat gently and combine when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze?
Freezing pasta and steak is possible but may affect texture; best fresh.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Succulent seared steak pieces coated in herbed garlic butter served over rich, cheesy pasta shells with silky Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
8 oz pasta shells
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
Sear steak: Pat dry, season, heat olive oil, sear steak 3-5 min per side until browned.
Garlic butter sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, thyme, rosemary. Sauté 1-2 min.
Coat steak: Toss steak in garlic butter heat 1-2 min.
Parmesan sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic 1 min, add heavy cream, warm till thickened, stir in Parmesan. Season.
Combine: Stir pasta in sauce, add reserved water if thick.
Serve: Plate pasta, top with steak bites, garnish with parsley.
Notes
Cut steak evenly.
Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Use freshly grated Parmesan.
Add pasta water to loosen sauce.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing & Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, creamy parmesan pasta, steak and pasta dinner, cheesy garlic pasta, weeknight comfort food
