Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni

It’s 6pm and you need a meal that feels special but takes no effort. If you’re craving Garlic Butter Steak Bites and creamy pasta, this recipe is your answer. It is the perfect winter comfort food for those cold, busy nights. You get a high-protein dinner that the whole family will love.

WHY YOU’LL MAKE THIS AGAIN

This dish is the definition of a satisfying weeknight dinner. You get tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites and cheesy rigatoni in just 35 minutes. It’s much faster than going out to a steakhouse. The mozzarella and parmesan create a sauce that is pure heaven. You’ll find yourself craving this bold and savory combination every single week.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES

The process is simple and uses only one main skillet. You sear the steak first to get a perfect golden crust. While the pasta boils, you whisk together the creamy cheese sauce. These Garlic Butter Steak Bites come together in one skillet for easy cleanup. This recipe is designed to be totally foolproof for any home cook.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

You likely have most of these pantry staples ready to go in your kitchen.

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.
3. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Sear steak bites in batches for 2 minutes per side until a brown crust forms, then remove from skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, scraping up browned bits.
7. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Whisk in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, bringing to a light simmer.
9. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
10. Return the steak bites and cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the cheese sauce.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

HOW TO SERVE IT

Serve this immediately while the cheese is stretchy and warm. It looks beautiful in a large shallow bowl for family-style dining. Pair it with a simple side of roasted broccoli or asparagus. A crisp green salad also cuts through the richness perfectly. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any casual hosting night.

LEFTOVERS & STORAGE

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Use the microwave or a skillet over low heat. I do not recommend freezing this due to the dairy. It is best enjoyed as a fresh and hot meal.

MAKE IT EVEN BETTER (PRO TIPS)

• Do not skip drying the steak with paper towels first.
• Avoid crowding the pan so the steak gets a good sear.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melting results.
• Save extra pasta water in case the sauce gets too thick.
• Add extra red pepper flakes if you love a spicy kick.
• Use a cast iron skillet for the best steak crust possible.
• Let the steak sit at room temperature before cooking it.

EASY WAYS TO CHANGE IT UP

• Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli if you prefer.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy winter flavor.
• Use chicken breast instead of steak for a lighter option.
• Stir in some fresh spinach at the end for greens.

QUICK QUESTIONS

What is the best steak for this?

Sirloin is great because it is lean and stays tender. You could also use ribeye for a richer flavor. Just ensure you cut the pieces into even 1-inch cubes.

Can I make this Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free since it uses cheese and cream. Always check your spice labels to be safe.

I hope you love this cozy steak and pasta dish. It really is the ultimate comfort food for a busy night. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

— Ethan

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 750

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.
3. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Sear steak bites in batches for 2 minutes per side until a brown crust forms, then remove from skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, scraping up browned bits.
7. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Whisk in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, bringing to a light simmer.
9. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
10. Return the steak bites and cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the cheese sauce.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.