Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish); 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste

Golden-seared steak bites dripping in garlic butter, served alongside pillowy tortellini bathed in a silky parmesan garlic sauce—this meal is rich, fast, and impossibly satisfying. It brings together bold steakhouse flavor and cozy pasta comfort all in one plate, ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something indulgent without the wait, this dish packs serious flavor into a straightforward method. The steak bites are juicy with crisp edges, and the parmesan garlic tortellini is the creamy counterpart that ties everything together like a dream.

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites?

For tender, flavorful steak bites, go with sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin is leaner and cooks quickly without drying out, while ribeye has more marbling and a richer flavor. Cut the steak into uniform bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully in the hot skillet.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

Steak: You’ll want sirloin or ribeye for those tender, buttery bites. Trim excess fat and cut into equal pieces.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here—it’s what infuses the butter and sauce with rich, bold flavor.

Butter: For both the garlic sauce and steak bites, use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.

Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak without burning the butter.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the steak’s natural flavor.

Tortellini: Choose cheese tortellini—either fresh or refrigerated. It cooks quickly and has a satisfying bite.

Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the creamy garlic sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts smoothly into the cream and adds a salty, nutty kick.

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds color and a touch of freshness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed steak in a single layer, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Let them sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until browned but still tender inside. Remove steak and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Keep warm while you prepare the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a clean saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add more minced garlic and cook until soft. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add freshly grated parmesan and stir until smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked tortellini in the creamy parmesan garlic sauce. Plate alongside the garlic butter steak bites, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

How to Serve and Store This Meal

Serve this dish hot from the skillet, garnished with chopped parsley and maybe an extra sprinkle of parmesan. It’s indulgent enough for a date night, but easy enough for any weeknight. Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread for a full dinner experience.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tortellini with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauciness. The steak bites can be warmed in a skillet to retain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Make sure not to overcook them. Sear quickly over high heat and avoid crowding the pan so they brown instead of steam.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions. Frozen tortellini is a great option and holds up well to creamy sauces.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be thinner. Add a bit of cream cheese to thicken if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and sear the steak bites in advance, then reheat everything together just before serving. The tortellini is best cooked fresh.

What can I use instead of steak?

Chicken breast or shrimp would work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for heat if desired.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the combo of creamy pasta and hearty protein, here are more recipes to add to your list:

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, savory twist.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for added veggie-packed comfort.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for busy weeknights.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef if you’re craving something a little bolder.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe when you want a little heat with your cream.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ribeye or sirloin? Did you go extra garlicky with the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

More daily recipes? Follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam for your next weeknight inspiration.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This ultra-satisfying meal features juicy garlic butter steak bites paired with tender cheese tortellini in a rich, creamy parmesan garlic sauce. It’s a quick yet indulgent dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when comfort food calls.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes without stirring. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Return steak to the pan and coat with garlic butter. Keep warm.

3. In a separate pot, cook tortellini according to package directions (3–5 minutes in boiling salted water). Drain and set aside.

4. In a new saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan and continue stirring until thickened. Season to taste.

5. Toss cooked tortellini in the creamy sauce. Plate next to the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.