Description
If you're craving a rich and comforting dish that feels gourmet but takes under 40 minutes to make, this **Steak Bites and Cheesy Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce** is exactly what you need. Tender steak bites are seared to perfection and served over creamy, cheesy rotini pasta, all drenched in a garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every swirl of pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or when you just want something indulgent but effortless. Ideal for fans of **quick dinners**, **easy pasta dishes**, and hearty **comfort food ideas**, this is one of those **dinner ideas** that you'll keep coming back to.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
10 ounces rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (for searing steak)
1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
3. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat and add another tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Add cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
8. Plate the pasta and top with the seared steak bites.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and sun-dried tomatoes, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Let the steak sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking to ensure even searing.
Grate the cheese fresh for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt well.
Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick while mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of total)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: steak pasta, garlic parmesan, creamy rotini, dinner ideas, easy dinner, quick meal