This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni recipe combines savory steak bites with a rich, creamy pasta. It’s an indulgent, flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s a simple recipe for you!
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4-5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni:
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12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente).
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Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper.
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Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
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Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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If using, add the rosemary or thyme and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce:
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In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
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Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally, letting the cream heat up for about 2-3 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
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If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
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Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
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If needed, add more pasta water to make the sauce silkier.
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Gently stir in the garlic butter steak bites until everything is well combined.
5. Serve:
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Plate the creamy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak bites.
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Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
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You can switch up the pasta if you prefer something else—penne or fettuccine work great too.
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For extra flavor, add a little bit of white wine or lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce.
Optional:
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For a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add some sautéed mushrooms to the steak mixture.