Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni

ByUsman

This dish is a dream for anyone who loves steak and pasta. The tender steak bites are cooked in garlic butter until juicy and flavorful, while the rigatoni pasta is coated in a rich three-cheese sauce. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve at a gathering. You can also adjust it to your taste by adding red pepper flakes for heat, or vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1½ lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-size chunks
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded sharp white cheddar
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Season steak tips with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then return steak to coat in garlic butter. Set aside.
  4. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the pasta pot, melt the remaining butter. Stir in cream and slowly add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar until smooth. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  6. Toss pasta with cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. Serve pasta in bowls topped with garlic butter steak bites and fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 725 kcal | Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meal is both simple and indulgent. The garlic butter makes the steak rich and flavorful, while the three-cheese rigatoni is creamy and satisfying. It’s a perfect balance of savory meat and cheesy pasta, making it a go-to comfort food for any occasion.

Background and Inspiration

Garlic butter steak bites are a popular steakhouse favorite, usually served with potatoes or rice. In this recipe, they are paired with creamy pasta instead, inspired by Italian-American comfort dishes like alfredo and mac and cheese. Rigatoni is the best choice here because its ridges and shape hold onto the cheese sauce, so every bite is flavorful.

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Steak is juicy, tender, and coated in garlic butter.
  • The cheese sauce blends mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar for a creamy and bold flavor.
  • Easy to adjust with different cheeses, vegetables, or even another protein like chicken or shrimp.
  • Quick to prepare in under 40 minutes.

Health Benefits in Every Bite

Even though this dish feels indulgent, it has some good nutritional value:

  • High in protein from the steak.
  • Calcium from the cheese for strong bones.
  • Energy from pasta’s complex carbs.
  • Healthy fats from butter and olive oil.

Cooking this at home also means no preservatives or processed fillers, making it a healthier option than restaurant meals.

When to Serve This Dish

This recipe is versatile and works for many occasions:

  • A cozy family dinner.
  • A romantic date night with wine and salad.
  • A meal for guests that feels fancy but is easy to make.
  • Leftovers for quick lunches the next day.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Let steak come to room temperature before cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to get a good sear.
  • Salt pasta water generously for flavor.
  • Cook cheese sauce on low heat to keep it smooth.

Easy Ways to Customize

  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas for more texture.
  • Swap steak with chicken or shrimp.
  • Use different cheeses if you prefer milder or stronger flavors.
  • Choose gluten-free pasta if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cheesy rigatoni in a wide bowl with steak bites on top. Garnish with parsley or chives and a drizzle of extra garlic butter. Add bread, salad, or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni is a dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s rich, filling, and adaptable to your taste, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. With simple steps and bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite and one you’ll want to make again and again.

Similar Posts