If you’re looking for a dinner that’s rich, creamy, and overflowing with flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta. From the tender, juicy steak to the luscious Alfredo sauce clinging to every twist of pasta, this dish is guaranteed to win over the whole family—fast! You know you’ve got a crowd-pleaser on your hands when the pan is scraped clean before anyone can ask for seconds.
Did you know Alfredo sauce was originally created for a chef’s pregnant wife with a sensitive stomach? Talk about love on a plate! This recipe feels just as thoughtful—hearty steak bites, bathed in garlicky butter, meet a creamy, cheesy pasta that rivals any Italian trattoria. It’s an instant upgrade to your weeknight dinner routine, impressing even picky eaters with minimal effort. Fans of my Chicken Alfredo Skillet Bake will adore this recipe too—don’t miss trying both! Now, who’s ready to grab a fork and dig in?
What is Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta?
So, what’s up with the mouthful of a name—Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta? It’s almost as fun to say as it is to eat! Picture this: buttery, garlicky, melt-in-your-mouth steak bites perched on a pillow of creamy Alfredo-coated pasta. Why the fancy name? Because “steak-in-butter-on-noodles” just doesn’t do this dish justice! As the saying goes, the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart is through their stomach—and trust me, this meal is a direct route. Ready for steakhouse flavor at home in under an hour? Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s all the rage!
Why You’ll Love This
Let’s be honest—the real star here is the perfect duo of juicy, Cajun-seasoned steak bites sizzling in garlicky butter, paired with a dreamy, cheesy Alfredo pasta. You’ll love how easy it is to create restaurant-quality flavor without spending restaurant-level cash. Making this at home means more generous portions, fresher taste, and the ability to tailor it to your preferred spice level. The Parmesan and mozzarella bring a richness you just don’t find in the ready-made versions, and that hint of smoked paprika in the steak? Chef’s kiss!
If you loved my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’ll adore this steak-and-pasta twist. It’s guaranteed to make your weekly meal lineup and wow your guests. Fire up your skillet and get cooking—this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta is the slam-dunk answer to those “What’s for dinner?” nights. It checks all the boxes: speedy prep (just 35 minutes!), satisfying flavors, and a creamy texture that’s the epitome of comfort food. One pan for steak, one pot for pasta—minimal mess, maximum taste, and you can easily double the recipe for guests or leftovers. The luxurious Alfredo sauce is balanced by the bold, seasoned steak for a meal that tastes like you spent hours, but only took a fraction of that time.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb pasta twists (rotini or fusilli)
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup milk (if needed, to thin the sauce)
Directions
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer—if needed, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each batch for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your preference. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic butter. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Cook pasta twists in a pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat, then slowly mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the pot with the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with creamy goodness.
- Serve the creamy Alfredo pasta on individual plates and top generously with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
What to Serve With
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta is both comforting and decadent on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides takes the meal to new heights. Try a crisp Caesar salad or a light arugula salad for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of creamy Alfredo sauce. For a splash of color and nutrition, serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine—chardonnay or a bold cabernet complement the flavors beautifully!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have sirloin? Ribeye or strip steak works well. For a lighter version, substitute chicken breast for steak—the cooking time will be slightly less.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference, or try Italian seasoning for a milder, herby flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Sear the steak bites quickly for the juiciest results. Overcooking can make them tough.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a little milk to thin it out. Add gradually so the sauce stays creamy.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese can create a grainy texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before microwaving or gently warming in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently for a smooth sauce. The steak can be reheated in a skillet briefly to keep it tender.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently as described above—add extra cream if needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or fusilli work beautifully, feel free to swap them out for penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
The key is to sear the steak bites in a hot skillet and avoid overcooking—just a few minutes per side is plenty for bite-sized pieces.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The steak can be seasoned a few hours ahead and refrigerated. The Alfredo sauce can also be prepared in advance and gently reheated.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Definitely! Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta brings together everything we love about comfort food—tender, flavorful steak, silky-smooth Alfredo, and a meal that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes, and plenty of requests for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family night or a special occasion, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Try it, share it, and don’t forget to check out my other crowd-pleasing pasta favorites!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp Butter, divided
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 lb Pasta twists (rotini or fusilli)
- 3 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Milk (if needed, to thin the sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer—if needed, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each batch for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your preference. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic butter. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Cook pasta twists in a pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat, then slowly mix in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the pot with the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with creamy goodness.
- Serve the creamy Alfredo pasta on individual plates and top generously with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.