These garlic butter steak bites are juicy and full of flavor, paired with cheesy mozzarella rigatoni that makes every bite heavenly. Perfect for dinner nights when you want something special!
Honestly, I can’t resist the combination of rich steak and creamy pasta. It feels like a mini feast on my plate! 🍽️ Plus, it’s quick to make, so I can enjoy it on a busy evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor. If you’re on a budget, flank steak or even chicken can be great substitutes. Just remember that chicken will need more cooking time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong, aromatic flavor in this dish. If you’re out, garlic powder is a backup—use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Pasta: Rigatoni is fantastic since its shape holds onto sauce well. You can swap it for penne or fusilli if that’s what you have handy.
Cheese: I love the stretchiness of mozzarella, but you can replace it with cheddar or gouda. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch. If it’s out of season, try frozen peas or broccoli instead—they add color and nutrition.
How Do I Cook Steak Bites for Perfect Flavor and Texture?
Cooking steak bites to perfection is all about the sear. Start by drying your steak cubes before seasoning. This step helps achieve that golden crust. The combination of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika creates a wonderful flavor profile.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and ensure it’s hot before adding the steak.
- Add steak in a single layer to avoid steaming. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see that nice brown crust.
- After searing, lower the heat, add butter and garlic, and spoon it over the steak for an extra rich flavor.
For the best results, aim for medium-rare to medium so it stays juicy!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Steak Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
For The Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni:
- 8 oz (225g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking each component, with just a bit of overlap while the pasta is cooking. You’ll have a rich, flavorful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rigatoni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rigatoni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the asparagus pieces to give them a quick blanch. After that, drain both the pasta and asparagus and set them aside for later.
2. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
In the same pot or a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, and add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. Bring the cooked rigatoni and asparagus back into the pot, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy goodness. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like some spice. Keep it all warm on low heat while you cook the steak.
3. Cook the Steak Bites:
Before cooking your steak, pat the cubes dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure a nice, crispy sear. Next, season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary; you don’t want to crowd the pan!). Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful brown crust forms. For perfect tenderness, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness. After that, lower the heat to medium and add the 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Stir the garlic butter and spoon it over the steak bites for about 1-2 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
4. Serve:
It’s time to bring it all together! Start by plating the cheesy rigatoni with asparagus. Then, top it off with the garlic butter steak bites. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions and sprinkle some more Parmesan on top. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great for this recipe because its shape holds onto the sauce, you can substitute it with penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option. If you want to keep it creamy, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to enhance the texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like it hot, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the steak or pasta. Just remember to start small and adjust to your heat preference!
