Garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan pasta is a meal thats all about big flavor and comfy texture. You get tender pieces of steak seared in rich garlic butter and a creamy pasta thats got just a hint of parmesan. Its perfect for a quick weeknight meal or even for a nicer dinner with friends, so new cooks and old chefs both can enjoy it.
What makes garlic butter steak bites and creamy parmesan pasta such a great pick is how simple it is to make and how fancy it tastes at the same time. You can dress it up for a party or just throw it together real fast after school or work. The steak gives you a good hit of protein and the pasta is super comforting, so almost everyone will love it.
Plus, this recipe is real easy to tweak. If you want to add veggies or swap out the steak, you can do that in a snap. It’s a go-to dish youll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Steak: Pick ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin for the best taste and tenderness.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic works best for strong flavor, but garlic powder is fine if youre in a hurry.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control how much salt you want.
- Fresh Parsley: Chop it up real fine for garnish and extra freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the steak bites just how you like them.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or whatever you prefer works here.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce that rich, silky feel.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated tastes better but pre-grated will do if you gotta save time.
- Garlic: You can use minced fresh garlic or garlic powder, it all works.
- Olive Oil: Just a little for sautéing and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce so it isnt bland.
Directions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Preparation of Ingredients
First you wanna get everying ready. Mince the garlic cloves real small and season both sides of your steak with salt and pepper. Then cut the steak into bite-sized bits all about the same so they cook at the same time. This step saves you time later and makes the taste better.
Cooking the Steak Bites
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pour in a drizzle of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the steak pieces in one layer. Dont crowd the pan or theyll steam instead of sear. Cook about 2–3 minutes each side till you see a nice brown crust. If you have a meat thermometer, go for medium-rare at around 130°F. Then take them out and let them rest for a few minutes so the juices stays inside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down low on the same skillet and add the butter. Once it melts, stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it smells amazing. Dont burn it or it’ll taste bitter. Toss the steak bites back in and stir so theyre all coated in that garlic butter. This part makes the steak super tasty.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Cooking the Pasta
In a big pot, bring salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook following the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Before you drain, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water and save it — it helps thin the sauce if you need it.
Preparing the Creamy Sauce
In the same pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until you can smell it but dont let it burn. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth. If it gets too thick, add some of that pasta water you saved. Season with salt and pepper so its just right.
Combining Pasta and Meat
Finally, put the drained pasta back into the pot with the sauce and toss it so every noodle is covered. Then fold in your garlic butter steak bites. The sauce should stick to both the pasta and steak, making every bite delicious.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
You want a cut that has a bit of marbling for flavor, like ribeye, but sirloin or tenderloin also work. Ribeye is richer and sirloin is a bit leaner, so pick what you like.
How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Steak Bites
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Aim for medium-rare for juicy results. Let the steak rest a few minutes so the juices settle, and look for that brown crust — it tells you you got a good sear.
Customizing the Pasta Sauce
Feel free to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms when you sauté the garlic. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also give it a nice twist. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want it lighter.
Serving Suggestions
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. A simple side salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is perfect to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is great too for mopping up any leftover sauce. For drinks, try a bold red wine or iced tea to balance the creamy flavors.
Nutritional Information
This meal gives you a solid serving of protein from the steak and carbs from the pasta, so it’s balanced. One serving might be around 600 calories with about 35g protein, 45g carbs, and 30g fat, but it depends on what exact ingredients you use. If you want more fiber, swap in whole wheat pasta.
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, you can. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F inside so it’s safe to eat.
What pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne hold the sauce really well, but any shape you like will work.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole-grain pasta and cut back on the heavy cream. You can also add more veggies to bulk it up without losing taste.
Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
Sure, you can make it up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Warm it on low and add a splash of cream or water if it’s too thick.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast work too. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese that melts well.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a tasty mix of rich flavors and comfy textures thats great for any occasion. Whether you’re making it fancy for guests or keeping it simple for a weeknight, it’ll impress. Give it a try, play around with your own twists, and share what you come up with!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 pasta strainer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes Can substitute with ribeye or tenderloin for richer flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon additional parsley for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In the same pot (or a mixing bowl), combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the steak bites, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the steak bites. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the pasta and steak. Toss well to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.
- Divide the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta among plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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