Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni

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:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni:

• 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).

• Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

2. Cook the Steak Bites:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper.

• Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).

• Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

• Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

• If using, add the rosemary or thyme and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

• Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce:

• In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.

• Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally, letting the cream heat up for about 2-3 minutes.

• Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

• Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

• 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:

• Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.

• If needed, add more pasta water to make the sauce silkier.

• Gently stir in the garlic butter steak bites until everything is well combined.

5. Serve:

• Plate the creamy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak bites.

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips:

• You can switch up the pasta if you prefer something else—penne or fettuccine work great too.

• For extra flavor, add a little bit of white wine or lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce.

Optional:

• For a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add some sautéed mushrooms to the steak mixture.