Juicy, golden-seared steak bites paired with creamy garlic butter noodles make this dish an instant favorite. It’s the kind of meal that balances elegance with comfort—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The steak bites deliver savory richness, while the cheesy noodles add a luscious, garlicky creaminess that ties everything together.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while still giving you restaurant-quality flavor. The buttery garlic sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, and when you toss in tender steak cubes, you get a dish that feels indulgent yet achievable for any home cook.

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites?

Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip are excellent choices for this dish. They cook quickly, stay tender, and have just the right amount of marbling for flavor. Sirloin is budget-friendly and lean, while ribeye gives you that melt-in-your-mouth richness. No matter which cut you choose, just be sure to cut the steak into even cubes for consistent cooking.

Ingredients for One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip): The star of the recipe, delivering juicy, tender bites of beef.
Butter: Creates the rich, velvety base for both the steak and noodles.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with irresistible depth and aroma.
Heavy Cream: Essential for the creamy, indulgent cheese sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and nutty richness to the noodles.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce for that extra gooey pull.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs): Enhance the flavors and balance the richness.
Rotini or Rigatoni Pasta: Holds onto the sauce perfectly with its spirals or ridges.
Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of color and freshness to balance the creaminess.

How To Make One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta (rotini or rigatoni) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a perfect sear. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned to your liking. Remove the steak and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Create the Cheesy Base

Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss in the sauce until fully coated. Return the steak bites to the pan, letting them warm through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Serving and Storing One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

This dish is best served fresh, right out of the skillet, while the noodles are silky and the steak bites are tender. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life and warm gently on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi will work beautifully to catch the sauce.

How do I know when the steak is done?

For medium doneness, cook steak bites for about 3 minutes per side. Adjust time based on your preference for rare or well-done.

Can I make this dish lighter?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

What if I don’t eat beef?

Chicken breast, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms are great substitutes in this recipe.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Want More Pasta & Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these steak bites with cheesy noodles, you’ll want to try these other favorites from my kitchen:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a cozy, hearty meal.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli when you crave comfort with a veggie boost.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, meaty twist.
Rattlesnake Pasta if you’re in the mood for bold and spicy.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for extra indulgence.

For even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest – Life with Jam where I share new recipes daily!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you’ll always have it ready for weeknight meals.

When you make this dish, let me know how it turned out! Did you use ribeye, sirloin, or another cut of beef? Did you stick with Parmesan and mozzarella or add in your own cheese twist?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life—share your version and let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

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

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful skillet dinner with juicy steak bites and creamy, cheesy garlic butter noodles. Perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food with minimal cleanup.