Quick Overview
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender steak bites with rich and creamy pasta. The savory garlic butter sauce enhances the flavor of the steak while the creamy parmesan pasta offers a comforting side. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will impress them all.
Ingredient Breakdown
Steak
You will need about 1 pound of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces. Sirloin provides a great balance of tenderness and flavor for this dish.
Garlic
Use 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Garlic adds depth and a robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Butter
Incorporate 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The butter not only enhances the flavor but also adds richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sear the steak. Olive oil has a high smoke point and helps achieve a nice crust on the meat.
Heavy Cream
You will need 1 cup of heavy cream for the pasta sauce. Heavy cream creates a luxurious texture that complements the parmesan cheese beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese
Grate 1 cup of fresh parmesan cheese. Freshly grated parmesan melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated options.
Pasta
Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta such as fettuccine or penne. The pasta serves as an excellent base for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Salt & Pepper
Use salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will enhance all the flavors in your dish without overpowering them.
Step By Step Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Grate the parmesan cheese and cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside while reserving some pasta water for later use.
Step 3: Sear Steak
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add in the steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked to your liking.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Reduce heat to medium-low after removing the cooked steak from the skillet. In the same pan, add butter and let it melt before adding minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5: Make Sauce
Pour in heavy cream into the skillet with garlic butter and stir well. Allow it to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly before adding grated parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with cream sauce and mix thoroughly. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency so that it coats well but is not too thick.
Step 7: Finish with Steak
Fold in cooked steak bites into your creamy pasta mixture ensuring everything is evenly coated in sauce. Let it cook together on low heat for another minute before serving.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Tip
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture. Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Storing Tip
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or microwave until warmed through without overcooking.
These simple steps will help you create mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta that everyone will enjoy!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when cooking Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is overcooking the steak. To achieve the best flavor and tenderness, cook the steak bites until they are just medium-rare. This ensures they remain juicy and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer if necessary; aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F.
Another mistake is not seasoning adequately. The garlic butter sauce adds great flavor, but don’t overlook seasoning the steak itself. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the meat. Avoid using too much garlic in the pasta as well; balance is key.
Using low-quality pasta can lead to a disappointing dish. Opt for high-quality pasta that holds sauce well, such as fettuccine or pappardelle. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin your meal, so follow package instructions and taste frequently.
Lastly, neglecting to let the steak rest after cooking is a mistake many make. Allowing it to rest for about five minutes helps retain juices, making each bite succulent. Cutting it too soon leads to dryness and less flavor in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Tips and tricks
To create perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, consider using a cast iron skillet for cooking the steak. This type of skillet retains heat exceptionally well, which helps achieve a beautiful sear on the steak bites while keeping them tender inside. Preheat the skillet for several minutes before adding oil to ensure an even cooking surface.
When preparing your creamy sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged versions. Fresh cheese melts better and offers a creamier texture to your pasta dish. Take time to gradually add the cheese into your sauce while stirring continuously; this prevents clumping and ensures a smooth finish.
Pairing your meal with a fresh side salad can enhance the overall experience. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the Garlic Butter Steak Bites beautifully. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, balancing each bite.
Don’t forget about presentation! Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta with chopped parsley as a garnish. This adds color and freshness to your plate while elevating visual appeal, making it more enticing for both you and your guests.
Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
For added depth in flavor, consider marinating your steak bites before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme enhances both flavor and tenderness without overpowering the dish’s essence.
If you want extra creaminess in your pasta dish, drizzle in some heavy cream while stirring in the cheese for an ultra-rich sauce that will delight any palate. However, be cautious not to overwhelm it; just enough creates a luscious texture without being overly heavy.
To elevate this meal further, serve it with crusty garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce on your plate and adds another layer of flavor that complements both components beautifully.
Finally, consider topping your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients and flavors. These ingredients bring an earthy note that pairs wonderfully with steak while boosting overall health benefits in your meal.
FAQs
What is the best cut of beef for Steak Bites?
The best cut of beef for creating delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites is sirloin or ribeye steak. Sirloin offers excellent flavor at a reasonable price point while remaining tender when cooked properly. Ribeye has more marbling which means additional richness—ideal if you’re looking to indulge!
Can I prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta fresh for optimal taste and texture, you can prepare certain elements ahead of time. Cooked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; simply reheat before serving and mix in freshly made sauce when ready.
How do I store leftovers from this recipe?
To store leftovers from Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, place them in an airtight container once cooled down completely. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking; they typically last about three days if stored correctly.
Can I substitute other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
Yes! While Parmesan provides a distinct flavor in this dish, you can substitute other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if desired. Cheddar can also work but offers a different taste profile that may alter overall flavor significantly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace steak with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or tofu sautéed in garlic butter instead. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth when making creamy sauce; it will create a deliciously satisfying meal without meat.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta pairs wonderfully with several side dishes including roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and seasoning. A fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette also complements this rich dish perfectly!
Summary
In summary, crafting perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta involves avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking meat or under-seasoning it. Following useful tips like using high-quality ingredients enhances flavors significantly while ensuring appealing presentation makes meals more enjoyable! By considering these suggestions during preparation stages alongside addressing frequently asked questions regarding storage options or vegetarian alternatives will ensure you create delightful experiences every time!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in this savory dish featuring tender garlic butter steak bites served over a bed of creamy parmesan pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
6. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
10. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately while hot! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: steak bites, creamy pasta, garlic butter