Juicy, tender steak bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with velvety rigatoni coated in a creamy parmesan sauce. This dish is a satisfying blend of bold and comforting, perfect for dinner nights when you want steakhouse luxury at home without the fuss.

The steak sears to perfection with crispy edges and juicy centers, while the pasta brings the dreamy richness of parmesan and herbs to balance it all. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make—one bite and you’ll want this on your weekly rotation.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use?

For maximum tenderness and flavor, go with sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts cook quickly, absorb the garlic butter beautifully, and give you that perfect sear. Cut them into evenly-sized cubes so they cook uniformly and stay juicy inside.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Steak – Choose a high-quality cut like sirloin or ribeye. It’s the star, so the better the meat, the better the dish.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.

Butter – Use unsalted butter to have full control over seasoning. It gives the steak its luxurious finish.

Olive Oil – Helps achieve that golden sear on the steak without burning the butter.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best for melting into a silky smooth sauce.

Heavy Cream – The backbone of the creamy rigatoni sauce. It’s rich, thick, and clings perfectly to pasta.

Rigatoni Pasta – Rigatoni holds onto the sauce in every ridge and tube. A must for the creamy pairing.

Italian Seasoning & Parsley – Adds herbal depth and freshness to both the steak and the pasta.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning each layer just right.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed steak in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a crust, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak to the pan, toss to coat in garlic butter, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Once warm, slowly whisk in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rigatoni in the creamy parmesan sauce until fully coated. Plate alongside the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Serve the steak and pasta immediately while everything is hot and saucy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies if you’re going for a balanced plate.

To store leftovers, transfer them into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing isn’t recommended for the cream sauce as it may separate. But the cooked steak bites can be frozen on their own and reheated later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep the steak bites juicy?

Avoid overcooking! Sear quickly on high heat and let them rest a few minutes before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or fettuccine are good alternatives, though rigatoni holds sauce best.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

You can try using a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast, though the flavor will differ.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Parsley is perfect for freshness. You can also add a touch of thyme or chives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—cook the steak and sauce separately and store. Combine and reheat just before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Comfort Food Vibes?

If you’re all about rich, savory meals like this one, check out these next-level favorites from the blog:

Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a spicy twist on steak and pasta.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta to keep cleanup easy.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you crave cheesy indulgence.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli to sneak in veggies.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a similar vibe with a slightly bolder flavor.

📌 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 go with ribeye or sirloin? Add extra garlic? Toss in some spinach?

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

Want more weeknight comfort meals? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam for daily recipe inspiration.

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy steak bites coated in garlicky butter, paired with creamy, parmesan-rich rigatoni pasta—this recipe brings restaurant-style comfort food right to your kitchen. It’s simple, indulgent, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes undisturbed, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Return steak to pan and toss in garlic butter. Remove from heat.

4. In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium. Gradually whisk in parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Toss cooked rigatoni in the parmesan sauce. Serve hot with garlic butter steak on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.