Craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor? This Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe is a weeknight dream come true. Perfectly seared steak bites are tossed with creamy rotini noodles in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta. It’s savory, rich, and so simple to whip up.
The best part? It brings together your protein and pasta in one cozy skillet. No need to juggle side dishes or dirty every pan in the house. Just one bite of the juicy steak paired with that garlicky cheese sauce, and you’ll see why this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini
This dish is fast, satisfying, and a flavor bomb in every bite. It takes only about 30 minutes to make from start to finish, yet tastes like something you’d find at a steakhouse. The rotini captures every drop of the creamy sauce, and the tender steak bites bring that satisfying umami punch. If you love meals that feel indulgent but come together with ease, this one checks all the boxes.
Plus, it’s a fun way to change up pasta night. While many creamy pasta recipes stick to chicken, the steak adds a gourmet twist without much effort.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
You don’t need to splurge on filet mignon to get juicy results. Sirloin, flat iron, ribeye, or even skirt steak work beautifully in this dish. Look for cuts with some marbling, and make sure to cut against the grain when slicing your steak into bite-sized cubes. A hot pan and a quick sear are key to locking in flavor while keeping the meat tender.
Ingredients for the Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A good dish starts with quality ingredients, and this one is no exception. Each component brings a layer of richness, texture, or seasoning that plays beautifully with the others. Here’s what you’ll need to build that crave-worthy bowl:
- Steak: You want bite-sized cubes of a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron. This is the heart of the dish, giving every forkful its bold, beefy flavor.
- Rotini pasta: These corkscrew noodles are perfect for capturing sauce in every swirl.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the steak and build the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings sharpness and depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and a nutty, salty bite.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and coats the pasta effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper: Season everything at the right stage to highlight all the other flavors.
- Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness.


How To Make the Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of butter. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove the steak and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add more butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained rotini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated and the steak is warmed through. If needed, splash in a little pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This rich and creamy pasta dish is a full meal on its own, perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers. It comfortably serves 4 people, though you may find yourself going back for seconds.
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
For freezing, you can store the steak bites and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.
What to Serve With Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini?
Garlic Bread with Herb Butter
Crispy on the outside, buttery and herby on the inside, garlic bread is the ultimate companion to soak up every drop of that creamy parmesan sauce.
Roasted Broccoli
The slight char and natural sweetness of oven-roasted broccoli make a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Caesar Salad
Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan give your meal a refreshing, crisp balance.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth that plays off the steak bites perfectly.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A slightly tangy glaze cuts through the creaminess of the pasta and brings out the savory side of the dish.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
If you want something cool and refreshing, a bright tomato cucumber salad works well alongside the warm, hearty pasta.
Red Wine or Sparkling Water
For drinks, pair with a glass of cabernet sauvignon or keep it light with sparkling lemon water.
Chocolate Mousse or Tiramisu
And if you’re going full experience, end your meal with a light and fluffy dessert like mousse or a coffee-kissed tiramisu.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If this Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini made you fall in love with creamy pasta all over again, you’re going to want to keep this list handy. Here are some more reader favorites that offer hearty, cheesy comfort with a flavorful spin:
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a simple, family-friendly classic.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you need a quick one-pan meal.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with a garlicky twist.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you love cheesesteak flavor packed into a bowl.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, savory twist on pasta night.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 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 heavy on the garlic? Use a different cut of steak? Maybe even swapped the rotini for penne?
I love hearing your kitchen experiments and tasty tweaks. Let’s help each other make every pasta night something special.
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Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe is a creamy, hearty dinner made with tender seared steak, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal, this one-pan wonder combines protein and pasta in a dish the whole family will crave. Keywords: steak pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, creamy rotini, weeknight dinner, one-skillet meals.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron), cubed
8 oz rotini pasta
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add parmesan cheese and stir until sauce is smooth and fully melted.
6. Return steak and cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Let pasta rest a minute before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak for best browning.
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth, non-gritty sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg