GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES & CREAMY ALFREDO RIGATONI

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I cannot wait for you to try this one—because when I say this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni recipe is a restaurant-worthy dish made right at home… I mean every single bite of it. 😍

Perfectly seared steak bites smothered in garlicky, herbed butter meet a rich, creamy Alfredo rigatoni that hugs every noodle just right. It’s indulgent, comforting, and wildly easy to pull off—yes, even on a weeknight.

What is Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni?

This dish combines two comfort food powerhouses: juicy garlic butter steak bites and creamy Alfredo pasta—all brought together for the ultimate cozy dinner. The steak bites are seared hot and fast for a caramelized crust and tender center, while the rigatoni gets tossed in a luxuriously rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce.

It’s the kind of dish you serve when you want to impress without the stress. And let me tell you—it’s a serious plate-licker!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Steakhouse flavor at home – Fancy without the fuss.
• 30-minute meal – Yes, really!
• Creamy and savory combo – Garlicky butter + Alfredo = dreamy.
• Flexible & customizable – Choose your cut, pasta, or add-ins.
• Crowd-pleasing – Everyone will ask for seconds!

What Does It Taste Like?

Picture this: tender, juicy steak bites kissed with garlic and herbs, dripping with melted butter. Paired with ultra-creamy, cheesy rigatoni that holds onto every bit of sauce, it’s rich, savory, and deeply comforting. It’s like your favorite steakhouse dinner—only better, because you made it yourself (and didn’t pay $32 for it 😉).

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein and flavor
• Satisfying enough for a full meal
• Perfect for date night, family dinner, or a solo treat
• Can be prepped in advance
• One pan for the steak, one pot for the pasta—easy cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye or NY strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated if possible)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but lovely!)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan (for searing the steak)
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if grating Parmesan fresh)

Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins

• Swap rigatoni for fettuccine, penne, or pappardelle.
• Use half & half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the Alfredo sauce.
• Top with crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Try different cuts of steak—flank or filet work beautifully too.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sear the steak bites.
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!) and sear for 2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the garlic butter.
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, then return steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley and set aside.

4. Make the Alfredo sauce.
In the same pot used for pasta (or a clean saucepan), melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

5. Combine & serve.
Add drained rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Serve warm, topped with garlic butter steak bites, extra Parmesan, and parsley.

What to Serve with This Dish

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette – Because more carbs = more joy.
• A crisp Caesar or arugula salad – To balance the richness.
• Roasted asparagus or green beans – Simple and elegant.
• Glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon – Chef’s kiss!

Tips for Perfect Steak Bites

• Dry the steak thoroughly before searing for that caramelized crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
• Use high heat and a heavy pan (like cast iron).
• Let the steak rest a few minutes before tossing with the garlic butter.
• Use fresh garlic—this is not the time for jarred!

How to Store & Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Do not freeze—cream-based sauces can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat and whisk to bring it back together.

What cut of steak is best for this?

Sirloin is affordable and flavorful, but ribeye or NY strip are more tender. Use what you love!

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based butter, cream, and cheese alternatives, but results may vary in richness and texture.

Is this spicy?

Not at all! But feel free to add crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning if you want to turn up the heat.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni is one of those “better than takeout” meals that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. The garlic butter melts into the steak just perfectly, and that velvety Alfredo sauce clings to the rigatoni in the most delicious way. I mean, how can you go wrong with butter, garlic, cream, cheese, and steak?

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