Craving a dinner that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes? This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe delivers tender, seared steak cubes alongside pasta swirled in a velvety garlic-butter-cheese sauce. It’s comfort food made simple, and every bite is pure indulgence.
It’s the kind of dish that satisfies both your weeknight efficiency needs and your weekend comfort cravings. With quick prep and minimal cleanup, it’s a win-win.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
The right equipment makes all the difference:
- Heavy Skillet or Cast Iron Pan – Retains heat for that irresistible steak sear.
- Large Pot – Cooks pasta evenly and prevents sticking.
- Tongs – Flip steak bites without piercing them, locking in the juices.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Mix the sauce gently without damaging your pan.
- Colander – Drains pasta while allowing you to reserve starchy water for sauce adjustments.
With these tools, you’ll ensure flawless execution and maximum flavor.
Ingredients for One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak – Juicy, tender cuts perfect for quick searing.
- Rotini or Fusilli Pasta – Twists hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Butter – The rich base of the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves bring bold aroma and flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Lends a silky texture to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Sharp and nutty for depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances and balances the taste.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a touch of freshness.


How to Make One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Season steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat skillet until hot, add butter, and sear steak cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream, stirring gently. Add Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return steak bites to the pan, stir gently, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serving and Storing
Serve immediately for the best texture, with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes—flank, strip, or tenderloin work well.
What pasta shapes are best?
Short shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne hold sauce best.
Can I make this ahead?
Cook pasta and steak separately, then combine with sauce just before serving.
Can I make it lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use less butter.
How do I prevent tough steak?
Avoid overcooking—medium-rare to medium yields the most tender bites.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you love creamy pasta dishes, try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, or Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. For a little spice, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a must-try.
For more of my daily recipes, visit my Pinterest LadyPlate.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
Save this to your dinner boards for next time. Click the Pin button and share your results! Did you try a different pasta shape? Add extra garlic? Leave a comment—I’d love to know.


One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender steak bites and creamy garlic butter noodles, perfect for a cozy weeknight or special dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak
8 oz rotini pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat, add 2 tbsp butter, and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Toss pasta in sauce, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
6. Return steak to skillet, mix gently, and top with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
Allow steak to rest for 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify and adjust the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: steak pasta, garlic butter noodles, one-pan dinner
