Golden, garlicky steak bites with rich, cheesy rigatoni. This easy steak dinner tastes like something from your favorite restaurant!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4
Introduction
Garlic butter steak bites are even better when you serve them with a big helping of creamy Parmesan rigatoni. You get tender, juicy steak with beautifully browned edges, plus pasta covered in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. It's the kind of dinner that makes everyone excited to sit down and eat. I'm Ana, and I love recipes that feel a little fancy without making you spend hours in the kitchen. This creamy steak pasta is one of my favorites because everything comes together in about 40 minutes. Whether you're making a cozy weeknight dinner or cooking for someone special, this one's definitely worth trying.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Season the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned, adjusting the cooking time for your preferred doneness.
- Add garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then toss the steak bites in the melted garlic butter. Transfer to a plate.
- Start the creamy sauce: In a separate large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning for another minute.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir well and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Parmesan: Lower the heat and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper and salt as needed.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained rigatoni and toss until every piece is coated in creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan rigatoni onto one side of a large serving platter. Arrange the garlic butter steak bites on the other side, drizzle with any remaining garlic butter, and finish with parsley and Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites and Rigatoni
- Dry the steak first: Moisture prevents a good sear, so patting the steak dry makes a big difference.
- Don't crowd the skillet: Cook in batches so the steak develops a golden-brown crust instead of steaming.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly than many packaged shredded varieties.
- Keep the sauce on low heat: Avoid boiling after adding Parmesan to help prevent a grainy texture.
- Save pasta water: A little starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the rigatoni.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter steak pasta is already a hearty dinner, but it tastes amazing with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread.
For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the steak bites and creamy rigatoni side by side on a large white platter. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, and a little extra Parmesan.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover steak and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm the steak separately just until heated through to help prevent it from becoming tough.
For food safety, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the best steak for garlic butter steak bites?
Sirloin is a great choice because it's flavorful, relatively tender, and easy to cut into cubes. Ribeye and New York strip also work beautifully if you want a richer steak dinner.
2. Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well. Rigatoni is especially good because its ridges and hollow centers hold plenty of creamy Parmesan sauce.
3. How do I keep my Parmesan sauce creamy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan, keep the heat low when adding the cheese, and stir gradually. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
These juicy garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan rigatoni are everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner. The steak is beautifully browned, the pasta is rich and cheesy, and the garlic butter brings everything together.
Make it once, and this easy steak dinner might become a regular on your weekly menu!