If you are craving a meal that combines tender, juicy steak with irresistibly creamy pasta, you will absolutely fall in love with this Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly seared steak cubes mingling with rotini pasta bathed in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, kissed with just the right hint of heat and herbaceous freshness. This dish effortlessly brings restaurant-quality comfort right into your kitchen, making it a go-to for weeknights or special dinners alike.

Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, yet the list is wonderfully straightforward. From the rich creaminess of parmesan to the boldness of smoked paprika, these ingredients come together to deliver a meal that’s as vibrant in taste as it is satisfying.

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed: Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, flavorful bites.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the steak beautifully with a subtle fruity note.
1 tbsp butter: Adds richness when finishing the steak in the pan.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Injects aromatic depth and a savory punch to the steak.
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick that awakens the palate.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and warmth to the steak seasoning.
1 tbsp chopped parsley: Freshness and a pop of color for the final dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential to highlight all the other flavors.
10 oz rotini pasta: The perfect spirals to hold the creamy sauce and juices.
2 tbsp butter: Foundation for the luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Creates the bold backbone of the sauce’s flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that unbeatable cheesy richness.
½ cup reserved pasta water: Key for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat if you like your sauce with some edge.
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the plate and adds a herbaceous finish.

How to Make Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta just shy of al dente—about 8 to 9 minutes. You want the pasta firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to soak up that creamy garlic parmesan sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining; this little trick is a game-changer for getting the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Steak

Pat the steak cubes dry using paper towels—this helps them sear better and develop that gorgeous crust. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika which brings a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the beef’s natural flavors.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the steak cubes in a single layer to ensure even browning and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes. In the last 30 seconds, add butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes for an aromatic and flavorful finish. Toss to coat the steak cubes before removing from heat and allowing them to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a clean skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—this is where the sauce begins to build its rich, savory flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Season and Adjust the Sauce

Add salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste, then stir in the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a luscious but pourable consistency. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly to each rotini spiral, intensifying every bite with cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked rotini to the sauce and toss gently, letting it simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures every piece of pasta is richly coated and ready to marry beautifully with the steak bites.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange the cheesy rotini on plates with a generous handful of those mouthwatering steak bites on top or on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like that little touch of heat. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting dish that’s guaranteed to please.

How to Serve Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is your best friend here, adding a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, sprinkle more crushed red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper on top. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a subtle fruity finish that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is wonderfully hearty, keep your sides on the lighter and fresher side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables complement the creamy pasta and smoky steak bites perfectly, balancing the meal and adding texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the cheesy rotini in individual small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep everything warm and appealing. Layer the steak bites over the pasta, then finish with an olive oil drizzle and a few whole garlic cloves for rustic charm. Don’t hesitate to add a side of garlic bread or warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce—everyone will thank you.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, keep steak bites and pasta somewhat separated if possible, especially if you plan to reheat later.

Freezing

This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate and change texture when thawed. If you must freeze, consider freezing the steak bites and pasta separately in portions, then reheat gently with fresh sauce made on the spot to preserve creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky sauce consistency. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Microwaving is possible but do so in short bursts to prevent overcooking the steak or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work beautifully and create their own unique texture experience.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to keep the sauce creamy, but the result won’t be quite as rich and luscious as when using heavy cream. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor balance.

How do I know when the steak bites are perfectly cooked?

For the best texture, sear the steak cubes for about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they develop a golden-brown crust. They should be tender but still juicy inside. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on their color and firmness.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?

You can chop the garlic and season the steak ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours. The rotini can also be cooked and chilled but reheat with some sauce to restore its creamy texture before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes in the steak and optional chili flakes in the sauce. You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting or omitting these spices based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting creaminess in every satisfying bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress and delight. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite home-cooked meals—trust me, your taste buds will be grateful!

Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 35 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and delicious recipe features tender sirloin or ribeye steak bites seared to perfection and served alongside cheesy rotini pasta tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. With a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

10 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until just shy of al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the Steak: Pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse a smoky flavor.
Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely seared and browned.
Finish Cooking Steak: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Toss the steak bites to coat them in the aromatic butter and spice mixture, then remove the skillet from heat and let the steak rest.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a clean skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release its aroma.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season and Adjust Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired for extra heat. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the preferred consistency for the sauce.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Plate the cheesy rotini and arrange steak bites on top or on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your meal!