Imagine a meal that combines tender, juicy steak bites with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food simple, indulgent, and ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you crave something hearty yet easy, or for a cozy weekend dinner with loved ones.
I still remember the first time I made this dish. My family loves steak nights, but I wanted to switch things up by combining that steakhouse feel with a creamy pasta. The rotini pasta was perfect for catching every drop of the rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and the tender steak bites were the icing on the cake. It was such a hit that we’ve added it to our regular dinner rotation, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your favorites too!
So, if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying recipe that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce and Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Rotini’s spiral shape is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the steak bites in a single layer. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, so they develop a golden crust. Flip the steak bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal for tenderness).
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, then remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly as the sauce begins to simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it’s fully coated in the sauce. Gently fold in the steak bites, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and steak, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of steakhouse flavors and creamy pasta goodness.
Variations:
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Vegetables:
- Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to add extra nutrients and texture. Vegetables pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Swap the Pasta:
- If you don’t have rotini on hand, feel free to use penne, bowtie (farfalle), or rigatoni. Any pasta shape that holds the sauce will work perfectly.
- Change the Protein:
- Don’t have steak? Try using chicken breast, shrimp, or even pork tenderloin. All of these work well with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Make it Spicy:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional rotini, and ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Lighter Version:
- Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
Cooking Notes:
- Steak Tips: To achieve tender, juicy steak bites, avoid overcooking the steak. Searing quickly over high heat ensures the steak stays tender on the inside while caramelizing on the outside.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two, stirring constantly. The Parmesan cheese also helps thicken it naturally.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic adds incredible flavor to the dish. Be sure to use fresh garlic for the best results.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is already hearty and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Side Salad: Serve a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Pair the dish with warm, buttery garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish that complements the rich flavors of the steak and pasta.
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Chop the steak and mince the garlic ahead of time to save effort during cooking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the steak bites and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw, heat, and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving):
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 450mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes! Sirloin and ribeye are great for this recipe, but you can also use strip steak, tenderloin, or flank steak. Just be sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A: Add a splash of cream, milk, or water to the pasta while reheating it on the stove over low heat. This will help restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the steak and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Q: Is there a way to lighten up this dish?
A: You can use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe.
Q: Can I add more cheese to the sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle in extra Parmesan or top the pasta with shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier version.
Conclusion:
Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a meal that brings together the bold, savory flavors of steak with the comforting creaminess of pasta. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your experience. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, explore my collection for ideas that will make every meal memorable.
Happy cooking!
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Steak Bites and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce and Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Rotini’s spiral shape is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the steak bites in a single layer. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, so they develop a golden crust. Flip the steak bites and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal for tenderness).
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, then remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly as the sauce begins to simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it’s fully coated in the sauce. Gently fold in the steak bites, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and steak, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of steakhouse flavors and creamy pasta goodness.
Notes
- Steak Tips: To achieve tender, juicy steak bites, avoid overcooking the steak. Searing quickly over high heat ensures the steak stays tender on the inside while caramelizing on the outside.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two, stirring constantly. The Parmesan cheese also helps thicken it naturally.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: The garlic adds incredible flavor to the dish. Be sure to use fresh garlic for the best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 580
- Sodium: 450
- Protein: 35