Sally Winter
Juicy, tender steak bites coated in buttery garlic goodness served alongside soft cheese tortellini bathed in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce—this dish is pure comfort food on a plate. The sizzle of the steak, the aroma of garlic, and the richness of Parmesan create an irresistible combination that will make any dinner feel special.
This recipe brings together two beloved classics: steak and pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s easy to prepare but delivers restaurant-quality flavor that your whole family will crave. The balance of savory, buttery steak with cheesy pasta makes it a truly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
- Quick and easy to make in under 40 minutes.
- Combines rich, buttery steak with creamy, cheesy pasta.
- Perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients with big flavors.
- A hearty and comforting meal that feels like a treat.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites?
You can use sirloin steak, ribeye, or tenderloin for the juiciest bites. Sirloin is an excellent balance of flavor and tenderness, while ribeye gives a richer taste. Cut your steak into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and the perfect sear every time.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
This dish combines a few simple ingredients that come together for a luxurious flavor. Tender steak brings the rich protein base, garlic butter adds a savory and aromatic note, and Parmesan cheese melts into the tortellini for a creamy, indulgent sauce.
- Sirloin steak, cut into cubes – the star of the dish for juicy bites.
- Cheese tortellini – the perfect pasta to hold the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter – for sautéing and creating the garlic butter base.
- Garlic cloves, minced – provides that signature aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream – to make the tortellini sauce rich and silky.
- Parmesan cheese, grated – for creamy, cheesy perfection.
- Olive oil – helps sear the steak beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper – to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley – adds color and freshness to the final dish.
How To Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic for the best flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a bit of the pasta water.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the tortellini to the skillet and coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve with the steak bites on the side, drizzling extra garlic butter over the steak and garnishing with fresh parsley.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini
This indulgent dish comfortably serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. Serve the steak bites hot, with the creamy tortellini alongside, for the ultimate comfort meal. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini?
1. Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli
A light and healthy side that complements the richness of the dish.
3. Caesar Salad
The crunch and tangy dressing cut through the buttery flavors.
4. Roasted Asparagus
Adds a slightly earthy and crisp note to your meal.
5. Mixed Green Salad
A refreshing, simple salad balances the indulgence of the steak and pasta.
6. Sauteed Mushrooms
Their umami flavor pairs beautifully with garlic butter steak.
7. A Glass of Red Wine
A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the meal’s flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak all work beautifully. Just aim for well-marbled cuts for the juiciest bites.
2. Can I make the tortellini sauce without cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a little cream cheese to keep it creamy.
3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it over medium heat and stir constantly. Burned garlic turns bitter and can affect the sauce’s flavor.
4. Can I prepare this meal in advance?
You can cook the steak and tortellini ahead of time, but make the sauce fresh for the best texture.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when thawed.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a twist, like mushrooms or spinach? Or maybe you spiced it up with chili flakes? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Stir heavy cream and Parmesan into the skillet to create a creamy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Toss tortellini in the sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Serve with steak bites, drizzling extra garlic butter on top. Garnish with parsley.