Garlic Butter Steak Bites

This savory garlic butter steak bites pasta combines tender steak cubes with a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner you can make any night of the week. The combination of juicy steak and creamy pasta creates a satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

I created this recipe when trying to impress my husband on date night at home, and it has since become our go-to celebration meal when we want something indulgent without the restaurant price tag.

Ingredients

• Beef steak: 1 pound — The key is choosing a tender cut like ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak which gives you those melt in your mouth bites
• Butter: 4 tablespoons — Use good quality unsalted butter so you control the saltiness
• Garlic: 4 cloves — Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor that dried simply cannot match
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference in flavor
• Pasta shells: 1 pound — Medium shells capture the sauce beautifully in their curved shape
• Heavy cream: 2 cups — Creates the rich base for the Alfredo no substitutes here for authentic creaminess
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup — Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano elevates the entire dish with its nutty depth
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous finish that balances the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Steak:

Cut your steak into 1-inch cubes for the perfect bite size. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper making sure all sides get coated. Let the meat sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to take the chill off for more even cooking.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Swirl the pan to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.

Cook the Steak Bites:

Add the seasoned steak bites to the hot garlic butter in a single layer giving each piece space. Cook for 2-3 minutes without disturbing to develop a nice crust then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium rare or longer for your preferred doneness. The steak should have a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Cook the Pasta:

While preparing the steak bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining which helps thicken and emulsify the sauce if needed.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In a separate large saucepan heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer but does not boil. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything:

Add the drained pasta shells to the Alfredo sauce and toss until each shell is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Let it sit for 1 minute so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.

Serve and Garnish:

Divide the creamy pasta between warm plates creating a bed for the steak bites. Top with the garlic butter steak bites ensuring to drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the dish. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the steak hits the garlic-infused butter. The sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen instantly makes everyone gather around asking when dinner will be ready. My daughter who typically avoids red meat always makes an exception for these buttery steak bites.

Choosing the Right Steak

The success of this dish largely depends on selecting the right cut of beef. Ribeye offers beautiful marbling that creates incredibly tender bites with rich flavor. Sirloin provides a leaner option while still remaining tender if not overcooked. New York strip gives a good balance of tenderness and beefy flavor. Whatever cut you choose make sure it has good marbling and plan to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. For special occasions splurge on filet mignon for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Sauce Variations

While the classic Parmesan Alfredo creates a luxurious base for the steak bites this recipe welcomes creative modifications. For a tangier version add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce. Craving something with a kick? Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of prepared horseradish. For a lighter option replace half the heavy cream with chicken broth and add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry to maintain creaminess. You could also incorporate roasted garlic instead of fresh for a sweeter more mellow garlic flavor that complements the steak beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

This garlic butter steak pasta can be partially prepared ahead of time for even quicker weeknight assembly. Cook the pasta until just under al dente rinse with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Alfredo sauce can be made and refrigerated separately for up to 3 days simply reheat gently on low heat adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed. The steak bites should be cooked fresh for best results but you can prep the cubed meat and store covered in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking.

This dish is sure to become a family favorite for its rich flavors and elegant presentation, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work excellently as they're tender cuts with good marbling. For budget options, chuck steak can work if cut against the grain and not overcooked.

→ Can I substitute the pasta with something else?

Absolutely! While shells nicely catch the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. For a lower-carb option, try serving the steak bites over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

→ How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

Cook the steak bites quickly over high heat just until browned on the outside while remaining pink inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming rather than searing. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The pasta and Alfredo sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated. However, the steak bites are best cooked just before serving to maintain their tender texture and prevent overcooking when reheated.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic, or mushrooms cooked alongside the steak. For the sauce, a pinch of nutmeg or some lemon zest can add complexity.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?

You can make a dairy-free version using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives in place of the cheese. Adjust seasonings as needed since these substitutes have different flavor profiles.