Tanya Rivers
Juicy, tender steak bites tossed in garlic butter alongside pillowy cheese-filled tortellini coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce — this dish is the ultimate indulgence for steak and pasta lovers alike. It’s a meal that feels fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of buttery seared beef and velvety, cheese-laced pasta will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
The garlic sauce clings perfectly to each bite, while fresh parsley brightens the plate. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this hearty and comforting pairing delivers pure satisfaction in every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
This recipe hits all the right notes — it’s savory, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. The steak is seared to perfection with a garlic butter glaze, while the tortellini gets a luxurious upgrade with Parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick enough for a busy evening yet impressive enough for special occasions.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites?
The best cuts for steak bites are tender and flavorful — think sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts stay juicy when seared quickly and pair beautifully with the rich garlic butter. Avoid overly lean cuts, as they can turn chewy when cooked at high heat.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Every element of this dish works together to create a balance of flavors and textures. The steak needs a tender, well-marbled cut to hold juiciness. Garlic, butter, and fresh parsley bring richness and fragrance, while the tortellini provides that comforting, cheesy bite. Parmesan cheese melts into the cream to make the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin) – for juicy, tender bites with full flavor.
- Butter – for richness and to carry the garlic flavor.
- Fresh garlic – infuses both steak and sauce with deep savory notes.
- Fresh parsley – for color and a hint of freshness.
- Cheese tortellini – a hearty pasta with a creamy filling.
- Heavy cream – the base for a velvety sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – adds saltiness and depth to the cream sauce.
- Olive oil – for searing the steak to a golden crust.
- Salt and pepper – to season every layer of the dish.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Cut steak into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Return steak bites to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic butter. Remove steak and keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan, heat cream over medium-low heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the tortellini in the Parmesan sauce until coated. Serve alongside garlic butter steak bites, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. Serve it immediately after cooking while the steak is juicy and the pasta sauce is silky. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
1. Garlic Bread
A crusty loaf brushed with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized make a fresh, healthy pairing.
3. Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
4. Sautéed Spinach
Adds a nutrient boost and earthy flavor that complements the creamy pasta.
5. Balsamic Glazed Asparagus
Tender asparagus with a sweet-tangy balsamic finish brightens the plate.
6. Tomato Bruschetta
A fresh tomato and basil topping over toasted bread adds vibrant contrast.
7. Red Wine
A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the beef’s flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Q2: How do I know when my steak bites are done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Remember they’ll cook slightly more after you remove them from the heat.
Q3: Can I make the sauce lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner.
Q4: What herbs go well in this recipe?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives are great additions alongside parsley to enhance flavor.
Q5: Can I prepare any part ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the steak bites and pasta separately, then store them in the fridge. Make the sauce fresh just before serving for the best texture.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- saucepan
- Large pot
- Tongs
- instant‑read thermometer
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt for steak
- 0.5 tsp black pepper for steak
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter for searing and garlic butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for garlic butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped plus more for garnish
Parmesan Tortellini & Sauce
- 20 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated or frozen
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 0.25 cup reserved pasta water as needed to thin sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt or to taste, for sauce
- 0.5 tsp black pepper for sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, to brighten
Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Boil tortellini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
- Sear steak in 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add garlic to skillet; cook 30 seconds. Return steak with any juices and toss in garlic butter. Keep warm.
- For sauce: melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Thin with pasta water as needed.
- Toss tortellini with sauce. Serve alongside steak bites; garnish with parsley.