How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan is your answer! This dish combines tender steak bites with a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special celebrations. With its quick preparation time of under 30 minutes, it stands out as a delicious yet simple option that will impress any guest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a rich and savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful plating of creamy pasta with steak bites makes this dish perfect for entertaining.
• Easy to Follow: Simple instructions ensure that even novice cooks can create a gourmet meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Necessary for searing the steak bites evenly, ensuring they are perfectly cooked.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A good-sized pot allows enough space for the pasta to cook without sticking together.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, keeping your workspace organized.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing steak and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 8 oz small pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)

How to Make How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites

Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium; add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta shells to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Plate creamy Parmesan shells with garlic butter steak bites on top or mixed together. Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Serving your juicy steak bites in an appealing way enhances the dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate this dish.

Presentation Ideas

• On a Platter: Arrange the steak bites and pasta on a large serving platter for family-style dining.
• In Bowls: Serve individual portions in bowls for a cozy presentation, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
• With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add color and freshness to the dish.

Accompaniments

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a delicious, buttery flavor that complements the meal.
• Green Salad: A light mixed green salad provides a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the steak and pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Consider steamed asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious addition that adds texture and color.

Sauces

• Chimichurri Sauce: Drizzle over steak bites for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
• Creamy Dressing: Serve with a creamy dressing on the side, such as ranch or blue cheese, for those who enjoy dips.

How to Perfect How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Achieving perfect steak bites requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your dish outstanding.

• Bold seasoning: Use generous amounts of salt and spices on the steak before cooking for enhanced flavor.
• High heat searing: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak. This creates a beautiful crust while keeping it juicy inside.
• Resting time: Allow the cooked steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese for optimal taste in both the garlic butter and creamy sauce.
• Pasta timing: Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds up well when tossed with sauce without becoming mushy.

Best Side Dishes for How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

Pairing side dishes with your juicy steak bites can enhance the overall meal. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil adds flavor and nutrition.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair beautifully with rich sauces.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy grain option full of protein.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn adds a seasonal touch that’s great during summer months.
6. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is light yet satisfying, absorbing flavors well from sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Patting the Steak Dry: Failing to dry the steak bites before seasoning can lead to steaming instead of searing. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture for a better crust.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many steak bites at once can reduce the skillet’s temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure a perfect sear.

• Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooking pasta can result in a mushy texture that doesn’t hold up well with the sauce. Follow package instructions closely and aim for al dente.

• Using Low-Quality Parmesan: Low-quality cheese can affect the creamy texture of your sauce. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and consistency.

• Skipping the Reserved Pasta Water: Not saving pasta water may leave your sauce too thick. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce consistency and enhances flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for quality preservation.

Reheating How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on low, adding a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making juicy steak bites:

How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan Without Overcooking?

To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Remove from heat when slightly below this temperature as they will continue cooking off heat.

Can I Use Other Types of Meat?

Yes! You can substitute steak with chicken or turkey if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the meat’s thickness.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Small pasta shells are great, but you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure it holds sauce well for maximum flavor.

How to Make Juicy Steak Bites with Garlic Butter & Parmesan Suitable for Meal Prep?

You can prepare steak bites and creamy sauce ahead of time, keeping them separate until ready to serve. This helps maintain texture and taste.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor alongside your steak bites and pasta.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is not only quick but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. The juicy steak bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta make for a delightful meal that impresses everyone. Try experimenting with different proteins or veggies!