If you’re looking for a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that can be made at home, look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak bites dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and minced garlic. Stir well to coat the steak bites and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove from Heat: Transfer the steak bites to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the steak (without wiping it clean), melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir to combine.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Add Steak Bites: Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently mix them into the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Use Quality Steak: Opt for a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the steak bites in batches to ensure they develop a proper crust.
- Fresh Parmesan is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add more heavy cream or pasta water for a looser sauce if needed.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms in butter before making the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak bites over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich, savory flavors with a creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy and happy cooking!