Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

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Juicy, seared steak bites dripping in savory garlic butter and paired with tender tortellini smothered in a silky parmesan sauce — this dinner is as indulgent as it is effortless. It’s the kind of meal that impresses guests and satisfies weeknight cravings alike. Every bite bursts with bold flavor, thanks to a balance of charred meat, creamy pasta, and aromatic garlic.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this duo hits all the comfort food notes. It comes together quickly with minimal fuss and uses pantry staples elevated by just a few key ingredients. One skillet, one pot, and you’re good to go.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve perfectly seared steak bites and luscious creamy tortellini, having the right tools on hand is essential:

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: This is the hero of the steak bites. It holds heat evenly and delivers a crusty sear that locks in juices.
  • Large Pot: Needed for boiling the tortellini. Choose a deep one to give the pasta space to cook evenly without sticking.
  • Tongs: Crucial for flipping steak bites gently without piercing the meat, preserving those flavorful juices.
  • Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Helps lift cooked tortellini from the water with minimal mess.
  • Garlic Press or Microplane: Intensifies the garlic flavor by creating a fine texture that blends into the sauce seamlessly.
  • Whisk: Key for getting the parmesan sauce smooth and lump-free.

With these in your kitchen arsenal, cooking this savory feast becomes simple and enjoyable.


Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

  • Steak (sirloin or ribeye, cubed): The star of the dish. Choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness and flavor.
  • Cheese Tortellini (fresh or refrigerated): These pasta pockets hold up beautifully to the creamy sauce and provide a rich, cheesy base.
  • Garlic (minced): Essential for both the steak butter and the parmesan sauce. It builds depth and that signature aroma.
  • Unsalted Butter: Used for browning the steak and infusing it with garlicky goodness.
  • Heavy Cream: The backbone of the parmesan sauce, offering a luxurious texture.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it that nutty, savory profile.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances every element, from steak seasoning to sauce balance.
  • Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the steak without burning the butter.
  • Parsley (chopped): Adds a burst of color and fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
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How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil and a little butter, sear them in batches until browned and cooked to your liking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add more butter and minced garlic. Stir for a minute until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

In a saucepan, heat butter and garlic until soft. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently. Whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Plate the tortellini and drizzle generously with the parmesan garlic sauce. Top with steak bites and spoon extra garlic butter from the pan over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.


How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

For an impressive plate, serve the creamy parmesan tortellini in a shallow bowl and top it generously with garlic butter steak bites. Spoon some of the extra garlic butter over the steak for added richness and finish with chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin and ribeye work wonderfully because of their balance of tenderness and flavor. You can also use tenderloin for a more luxurious option.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini offer the best texture, but frozen is convenient and tasty.

How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Don’t overcrowd the pan and avoid overcooking. Sear in small batches and pull them from heat once they hit medium or your desired doneness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat slowly while stirring. Add a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and check that your parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I use a different cheese?

Parmesan is ideal for the sauce, but you can experiment with asiago, romano, or even a blend for a twist on flavor.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini, here are some other cozy meals to explore next:


Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how your dinner turned out. Did you go for ribeye or sirloin? Add extra garlic? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Questions or tweaks? I’m here for them — let’s cook better together!


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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Juicy garlic butter steak bites served over creamy parmesan tortellini is the ultimate comforting dinner combo. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this dish blends rich garlic, savory cheese, and tender steak into one unforgettable meal.


Ingredients

1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cubed

10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Season cubed steak with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a skillet with olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over high heat. Sear steak bites in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant. Return steak bites to skillet and toss in the garlic butter. Keep warm.

4. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Plate tortellini and spoon over the parmesan garlic sauce. Top with steak bites and drizzle with garlic butter from the pan.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use room temperature steak for better searing and moisture retention.

Don’t let the garlic brown — just let it bloom for flavor.

Add a splash of cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stove-top
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 675
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 43g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, garlic sauce, parmesan, comfort food

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