Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan is the perfect solution! This flavorful dish combines seared steak bites with a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s not only indulgent but also easy to prepare, making it suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a delightful dinner with this quick recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich taste that elevates the dish.
- Versatile: Serve these steak bites as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a festive spread.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually appealing, ideal for entertaining.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers without losing flavor; reheating tips included!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Provides excellent heat retention for perfectly seared steak bites.
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Colander: Ensures easy draining of pasta while reserving water if needed.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add drained pasta shells to the creamy sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta alongside or mixed with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
Serving your juicy steak bites with garlic butter and Parmesan pasta can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.
Classic Presentation
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta in the center, placing the garlic butter steak bites on top or beside it for a beautiful contrast.
Family Style
- Serve everything on a large platter. Let everyone help themselves to pasta and steak bites, creating a casual and inviting atmosphere.
With Fresh Greens
- Pair your steak bites with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish.
Garnished Plates
- Finish each plate with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor before serving.
In a Bowl
- Create a comforting bowl meal by layering pasta, steak bites, and sauce. This makes for an easy-to-eat option that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Perfect for Entertaining
- Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch when hosting guests. This presentation makes each serving feel special.
How to Perfect How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
To ensure you achieve the best results when making this dish, follow these expert tips.
- Choose Quality Steak: Using high-quality cuts like ribeye or sirloin will enhance the flavor and texture of your steak bites significantly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the steak in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which affects flavor.
- Let Steak Rest: After searing, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for more flavorful bites.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your creamy Parmesan sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices like smoked paprika or add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for additional flavor profiles.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve the dish right after preparing it. The creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh!
Best Side Dishes for How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
Complementing your steak bites is essential for a complete meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair well with this recipe.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that adds crunch and complements the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a healthy balance to the richness of the pasta.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing creates a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon juice enhances nutrition while keeping it light.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest and go well with steak.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds an elegant touch and pairs well with both beef and pasta.
- Herb Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs creates a simple yet satisfying side that complements any main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making garlic butter steak bites with Parmesan, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are mistakes you should be aware of to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many steak bites at once can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect crust.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Failing to let the steak rest after cooking can lead to dry bites. Allow the steak pieces to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
- Not Using High Enough Heat: Cooking on low heat won’t give you those desirable brown edges. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak for maximum flavor.
- Ignoring Pasta Cooking Instructions: Overcooking pasta can result in a mushy texture that doesn’t hold sauce well. Always follow package instructions for al dente pasta.
- Using Pre-Grated Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltability. Grate fresh Parmesan for a smooth and creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Separate steak bites and pasta if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best used within 1 month for optimal flavor.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Stir occasionally for even heating.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, then add the steak and pasta. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan?
To make juicy steak bites, season bite-sized pieces of steak and sear them quickly in hot oil. Toss them in garlic butter right after cooking for maximum flavor.
What type of steak is best for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work best as they are tender and flavorful cuts ideal for searing.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences or add more herbs like thyme or rosemary.
How do I prevent my sauce from being too thick?
If your creamy sauce thickens too much, simply stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store components separately and combine when ready to eat for best results.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for juicy steak bites with garlic butter and Parmesan pasta offers both indulgence and simplicity. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides—your culinary creativity will shine!
Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan
Indulge in a restaurant-quality experience at home with Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Pasta. This delightful dish features succulent steak bites seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive meal. Whether serving as an appetizer or main course, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pasta)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water.
- Season and sear the steak bites in a hot skillet until browned.
- Make garlic butter in the same skillet; toss seared steak bites in the sauce.
- Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce by simmering heavy cream with garlic and cheese.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce and serve alongside the steak bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan when searing steak for optimal browning. Let the steak rest after cooking for juicier bites.
