Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Herb Rigatoni

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Herb Rigatoni

ByVerj Recipes

There are some dinners that feel like a celebration, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday night. This is one of them.

Juicy steak bites seared until beautifully golden, then tossed in garlicky butter with fresh thyme… and paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni that hugs every bite of sauce. It’s rich. It’s cozy. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone suddenly very quiet at the table — because they’re too busy enjoying it.

I love making this when I want something comforting but a little special. It smells incredible while it cooks — sizzling steak, melted butter, garlic blooming in the pan. And when you take that first forkful? Tender steak, velvety pasta, a hint of herbs… it just melts together perfectly.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Herb Rigatoni

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

  • 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)

For the Creamy Herb Rigatoni:

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Don’t skip the salt — it makes the pasta taste so much better.

Cook the rigatoni until al dente, according to the package directions. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Then drain and let the pasta rest while you work on the rest.

2. Season the Steak

Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get that beautiful crust.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat.

3. Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed.

Let the steak sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side. You want a deep golden crust. The sizzle is your best friend here.

Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, and thyme.

Stir for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant. The smell at this stage is unreal.

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in that glossy garlic butter. Coat every piece. Then remove from heat.

5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. This removes that raw flour taste and creates a smooth base.

Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Keep stirring as it gently simmers and thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

6. Add the Cheese

Stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Keep stirring until the sauce turns smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

7. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Toss gently until every tube is coated in that silky, cheesy goodness.

Serve the pasta alongside the warm garlic butter steak bites.

Presentation

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle everything with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan. The pop of green makes the whole dish feel vibrant and fresh.

Serve it in wide bowls so the creamy sauce pools perfectly around the pasta. Place the steak bites right on top or neatly to the side for a restaurant-style look.

If you really want to elevate it, a light drizzle of the garlic butter from the pan over the pasta adds shine and flavor. And serve it hot — this dish is at its absolute best when it’s fresh and steaming.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 780 kcal per serving

  • 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Herb Rigatoni is the kind of meal that feels generous and comforting all at once. It’s rich without being overwhelming, cozy without being heavy, and special without being complicated.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe delivers every time. It’s the kind of dinner that makes people ask for seconds — and then quietly hope there are leftovers.

If you’ve been needing an excuse to cook something indulgent and satisfying, let this be it. Light a candle, pour a drink, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite. 🧄✨

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