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How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? These garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan pasta are a must-try! Perfectly seared steak bites, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, are served alongside velvety Parmesan pasta for an indulgent yet easy-to-make dinner. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special treat.

Discover the secrets to achieving a perfect sear, the best cheese for a smooth and creamy sauce, and expert tips for reheating leftovers without losing flavor. Whether you’re a steak lover or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Bites:

  • 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

  • 8 oz small pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan shells with the garlic butter steak bites on the side or mixed together. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

 

Notes

  • Best Steak Choice: Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip for maximum tenderness.
  • For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  • Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or serve with mashed cauliflower instead.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Cook steak bites ahead and store separately to maintain texture when reheating.