Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta
A restaurant-style meal you can make at home in under 40 minutes!
If you love juicy garlic butter steak and creamy pasta, this recipe is the perfect combination. Tender sirloin or ribeye steak bites are seared until golden, then tossed in rich garlic butter. Paired with silky Alfredo-coated bowtie pasta, this dish delivers comfort food at its finest. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re simply craving something indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two favorites: garlic butter steak + Alfredo pasta.
- A one-skillet sauce that’s creamy, cheesy, and easy.
- Elegant enough for date night, simple enough for family dinner.
- Customizable with extra veggies, proteins, or cheeses.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (to adjust creaminess if needed)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- A drizzle of garlic butter from the steak
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta until al dente (firm but tender).
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Lower heat slightly, add butter and garlic, and toss steak until coated and fragrant.
- Remove steak bites from skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer gently until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Steak
- Add the drained bowtie pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing until fully coated.
- Fold in the garlic butter steak bites gently.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the creamy Alfredo pasta, top with juicy steak bites, and drizzle with leftover garlic butter from the pan.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for the finishing touch.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Meat options: Use ribeye for richness, sirloin for leaner bites, or even chicken or shrimp.
- Vegetable boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a kick.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
What to Serve with This Dish
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay) or sparkling water with lemon
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Not recommended for freezing, as Alfredo sauce can separate.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~890 kcal
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fat: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.
Q: Do I have to use heavy cream?
For best richness, yes. But you can swap with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Q: How do I keep the steak juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Cook quickly on high heat and remove once browned.
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta is a complete comfort meal that’s both indulgent and easy. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself at home!