If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, look no further than Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta. This recipe combines tender, juicy steak bites with perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to treat yourself. The blend of garlic, oregano, thyme, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that will have you coming back for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about searing steak bites until they’re beautifully caramelized and then coating them in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with herbs. This Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta is a perfect balance of protein and carbs, making it a complete meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. Plus, it comes together quickly, which means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home. Whether you’re a steak lover or just want to switch up your pasta game, this recipe hits all the right notes. The fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness, while the optional Parmesan cheese takes it over the top.

What You’ll Need

1 pound steak (sirloin or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces – choose your favorite cut for tenderness and flavor
8 ounces pasta (your choice of shape) – penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work beautifully
4 tablespoons butter – the base of the sauce, rich and creamy
4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is key for maximum flavor
1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds a lovely earthy note
1 teaspoon dried thyme – complements the oregano with subtle floral hints
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle kick of heat
Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – brightens the dish
Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) – adds a savory, cheesy finish

Equipment & Tools

Large pot – to boil the pasta to al dente perfection
Large skillet or frying pan – for searing the steak bites and making the butter sauce
Colander – to drain the pasta
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce and pasta
Knife and cutting board – to prep the steak and herbs
Measuring spoons – for precise seasoning

Make Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. This reserved pasta water will help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the steak bites

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper. Add the steak pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the garlic herb butter sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with flavor and creates the base for the sauce.

Step 4: Combine pasta and steak bites

Return the steak bites to the skillet with the garlic herb butter sauce. Toss to coat the meat in the flavorful butter. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if you like. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Garlic Bread to soak up every last bit of that buttery sauce.

Better-for-You Options

Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and protein
Use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce to add heart-healthy fats
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color
Choose leaner cuts of steak or trim excess fat to reduce saturated fat content
For a lower sodium option, reduce the amount of salt and use fresh herbs instead of dried

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many steak bites at once lowers the pan temperature and prevents proper searing, leading to steamed meat instead of caramelized bites.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it on medium heat and watch carefully so it becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
Overcooking the steak: Steak bites cook fast. Keep an eye on them to avoid turning them tough and dry.
Not reserving pasta water: This starchy water is a secret weapon for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and steak bites in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the steak.

Freezing is possible but not ideal for texture. If you freeze, make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or tenderloin steak is ideal for tender, juicy bites, you can substitute with other cuts like ribeye or even chicken. For a quick swap, try Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders for a similar flavor profile.

What pasta shape works best for this dish?

You can use almost any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well because their ridges and shapes hold onto the garlic herb butter sauce nicely. Spaghetti or linguine are also good options if you prefer long noodles.

Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?

Yes! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter and steak, but if you prefer a milder dish, you can omit them or reduce the amount.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative such as vegan butter or olive oil. The garlic and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.

Don’t Miss These

For a creamy alternative with steak, try the Creamy Peppercorn Steak Pasta.
Need a quick protein-packed side? Check out these Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Complete your meal with Easy Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

The Last Word

This Garlic Herb Butter Steak Bites Pasta is proof that a few simple ingredients can come together to create an outstanding meal. The marriage of tender steak, herb-infused butter, and perfectly cooked pasta is a combination that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to garnish generously with fresh parsley and sprinkle with Parmesan to elevate every bite. You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish and how satisfying it tastes.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress!

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