If you’re craving something rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors, this Steak Bites & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the answer. It’s a dish that brings together two of my all-time favorites—perfectly seared steak and creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. Every bite is packed with tender, juicy steak, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and rotini pasta that clings to all that creamy goodness.
The best part? This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight-friendly meal that still feels fancy enough for a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing a dinner guest, this dish is guaranteed to be a winner.
Let’s break it down step by step and go over a few pro tips to make it even better.
Why This Recipe Works
After plenty of testing, I found that this combination of steak, pasta, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce delivers the ultimate balance of richness and flavor. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:
- The steak bites are perfectly seared. Quick-cooking, juicy, and infused with garlic butter.
- The Parmesan sauce is next-level creamy. Heavy cream and beef broth create an ultra-luxurious texture.
- Rotini pasta holds onto every drop of sauce. Its spirals are perfect for trapping all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- It’s easy but feels gourmet. Simple steps, but the result tastes like something from a high-end restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Garlic Parmesan Rotini:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Pro tip: Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later!)
2. Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side without moving them too much—this helps develop that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Once the steak is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet (without washing it), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Next, gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little spice.
Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it’s too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Toss in the Pasta & Steak
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Let it sit for a minute or two so the pasta can absorb all that flavor.
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Let it heat through for about 1 minute.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, along with extra shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the steak is tender.
Pro Tips for the Best Steak & Pasta
- Use high-quality steak. Sirloin, ribeye, or filet will give you the juiciest, most flavorful steak bites.
- Get a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps develop that golden-brown crust on the steak.
- Grate fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t overcook the steak. It should be medium-rare to medium when you remove it from the skillet, since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water. If too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
What to Serve with This Dish
This pasta dish is already rich and indulgent, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some perfect pairings:
- Garlic bread – Because extra garlic and butter are never a bad idea.
- A simple green salad – Something crisp and refreshing helps balance the richness.
- Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus work beautifully.
- A glass of red wine – Try Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Merlot for a bold, flavorful pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, and filet are best, but New York strip or flank steak also work well if cut into small bites.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well because they can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, store the steak and pasta separately and make the sauce fresh when reheating.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes! Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or try Greek yogurt + milk for a protein-packed alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Steak Bites & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with bold, savory flavors. It’s a perfect balance of steakhouse indulgence and classic Italian comfort, all in one bowl.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Did you add any personal twists? I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking!
Steak Bites & Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Cut the rested steak into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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