This dish brings together the best of both worlds — tender, juicy steak bites paired with rich, creamy garlic pasta. Perfect for dinner nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels for a good sear.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak cubes in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the pan; toss for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove steak bites and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer.
- Add Parmesan, cheddar (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with steak bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
🍴 Chef’s Tips for Perfection
- Use room temperature steak for an even sear.
- Don’t move the steak too soon — let it form a golden crust.
- Shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce (pre-shredded cheese can make it grainy).
- For extra flavor, deglaze the steak pan with a splash of beef broth or white wine before making the sauce.
✨ Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
- Mushroom Cream Pasta: Sauté mushrooms before adding cream for deeper flavor.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Replace steak bites with shrimp for a lighter twist.
- Truffle Version: Add a few drops of truffle oil to the cream sauce for a luxurious flavor.
💡 Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the steak — aim for medium or medium-rare.
- Keep pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency.
- For meal prep, store steak and pasta separately to maintain texture.
Conclusion
Creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly rich — this Creamy Garlic Pasta with Steak Bites is the ultimate comfort meal. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.