Sally Winter
When you’re craving something indulgent yet effortlessly satisfying, look no further than these Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini. The juicy seared beef paired with creamy, cheesy garlic sauce clings to every twist of rotini pasta, delivering bold, savory flavors in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick the plate clean and maybe go back for seconds.
This dish is not only rich and comforting, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making a weeknight dinner extra special, this recipe strikes a beautiful balance between gourmet flavor and approachable cooking. Tender steak bites, garlicky cream, a punch of parmesan, and al dente pasta – it’s all here.
Why You’ll Love This Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini
This pasta dinner feels like a luxurious steakhouse treat but comes together in a single pan. You get all the flavors of a high-end meal without the hefty price tag or lengthy cooking process. Plus, it’s family-friendly, hearty enough to satisfy, and fancy enough to impress dinner guests.
Creamy garlic parmesan sauce adds a rich dimension, while the seared beef gives it a protein-packed punch. The rotini pasta is ideal for holding onto every bit of the flavorful sauce, making each forkful mouthwatering.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
For the best texture and flavor, go with sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Sirloin offers a great balance between tenderness and cost, while ribeye gives you more marbling and flavor. Tenderloin is luxuriously soft if you’re going all-out. Just be sure to cut your steak into even, bite-sized chunks and give them a quick sear in a hot skillet to lock in those juices.
Ingredients for the Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini
To make this creamy, savory pasta dish shine, each ingredient plays a role in flavor or texture:
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin): These cuts sear beautifully and stay juicy. Choose what suits your taste and budget.
- Rotini pasta: Its spirals are perfect for catching that rich parmesan garlic sauce in every twist.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor base of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds the salty, umami-rich body to the cream sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the steak and pasta.
- Butter: Helps sear the steak and build richness in the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for high-heat searing and adds depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out all the savory notes.
- Italian seasoning or parsley: Brings a herby freshness to the final dish.
How To Make the Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil and butter, sear the steak bites on all sides until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the seared steak bites back into the skillet and gently mix with the pasta. Let everything heat together for a minute or two, then serve garnished with chopped parsley or more parmesan.
How to Serve and Store Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini
This recipe feeds 4 to 5 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or entertaining friends. Serve the pasta hot, straight from the skillet or transfer it to a warmed serving platter for a touch of elegance. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini?
Garlic Bread
The buttery crunch of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and makes sure not a drop goes to waste.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar adds crispness and brightness, cutting through the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
The mild bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.
Grilled Asparagus
Its smoky, earthy taste contrasts well with the creamy sauce.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Umami-rich mushrooms amplify the savory notes of the steak and parmesan.
Caprese Salad
A refreshing tomato, basil, and mozzarella combo brings a burst of acidity.
Creamed Spinach
This double dose of creamy goodness can make your meal feel like a steakhouse spread.
Red Wine
Serve a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the seared steak and garlic flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well. Just choose a shape that can hold sauce for the best experience.
2. How do I make this recipe lighter?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. Choose leaner cuts of steak and reduce the cheese if preferred.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and sauce a day in advance. Store separately and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta.
4. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon for every 2 garlic cloves.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with added cream or milk.
Save This Pin For Later
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or keep it classic? Did you try another cut of steak?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and better.
Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large pot
- Strainer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250 g rotini pasta
- 400 g sirloin steak, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season steak with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil and 1 tbsp butter until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Toss in the cooked rotini. Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Return steak to the skillet and mix gently. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.