The Art of Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Perfection

The Perfect Sear

Learning to achieve a golden-brown crust on steak bites through proper temperature control and patience - this step teaches the critical technique of high-heat searing without overcooking small pieces of meat.

Garlic Butter Emulsion

Mastering the art of creating a fragrant garlic butter coating that clings to the steak without burning the garlic - this technique is fundamental to achieving restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Cream Sauce Foundation

Understanding how to build a silky parmesan cream sauce using pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency that coats pasta without being too thick or thin.

Component Timing

Developing the skill to coordinate multiple cooking elements so that steak stays juicy, pasta remains al dente, and sauce achieves the right texture all at the same moment.

Final Integration

Learning to marry all components together while preserving individual textures and flavors - the crucial final step that transforms separate ingredients into a cohesive, harmonious dish.

Mastering Restaurant-Quality Steak Bites at Home

Steak Selection: Choose sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for the most tender results - look for well-marbled cuts with good fat distribution, and always cut against the grain into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.

Temperature Control: The key to perfect steak bites is high heat and quick cooking - don't move the meat while searing to develop that beautiful crust, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking since small pieces cook very quickly.

Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining - this liquid gold helps bind the sauce to the pasta and can adjust consistency without diluting flavor like regular water would.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the steak cubes and garlic up to 24 hours in advance, but cook the pasta and assemble everything just before serving for the best texture and to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

Sauce Customization: Add a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic for depth, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or stir in spinach at the end for extra nutrition without compromising the creamy richness.

Common Mistakes: Never add cold steak to the pan as it will steam instead of sear, don't overcrowd the skillet or the temperature will drop, and avoid overcooking the steak since it continues cooking slightly after removal from heat.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta - Restaurant Quality Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta - Restaurant Quality Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Steak Bites:; 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:; 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For Garnish:; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, extra for serving; Red pepper flakes, optional; For Special Equipment:; Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan; Large pot for pasta; Meat thermometer (optional)

The ultimate garlic butter steak bites featuring tender sirloin, fresh garlic, and rich parmesan cream sauce. This indulgent pasta dish combines the savory depth of perfectly seared steak with the luxurious creaminess of parmesan butter sauce, creating an unforgettable dining experience that elevates the classic steak and pasta to extraordinary heights perfect for date nights, family celebrations, or any time you crave the perfect balance of rich umami and silky texture.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Steak Bites:

1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

3 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, extra for serving

Red pepper flakes, optional

For Special Equipment:

Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan

Large pot for pasta

Meat thermometer (optional)

Instructions

Pat steak cubes completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides, letting them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta water.

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke, then add steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if necessary).

Sear steak bites for 2 minutes on first side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature 130-135°F).

Remove steak to a plate and reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the hot skillet, cooking for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the garlic in the skillet and toss the cooked steak bites in this mixture, coating them completely, then remove and set aside while keeping warm.

In the same skillet (without wiping it clean to preserve all the flavorful browned bits), add 3 tablespoons butter and 2 cloves minced garlic over medium heat, sautéing for 1 minute.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the drained pasta to the cream sauce along with garlic powder and black pepper, tossing everything together and adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce needs thinning.

Return the garlic butter steak bites to the skillet with the pasta, gently folding everything together so the steak and pasta are well combined and coated in sauce.

Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while hot in shallow bowls or plates, offering additional parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side for those who want extra heat and richness.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta - Restaurant Quality Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Perfection

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta - Restaurant Quality Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions