One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

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Seared to perfection and dripping with flavor, these One-Pan Steak Bites are rich, juicy, and irresistibly savory. Each cube of steak is tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and seasoned to amplify the natural beefy goodness. Paired with creamy, cheesy garlic butter rotini noodles, this dish effortlessly combines comfort and decadence on a single plate.

The pasta clings to a velvety blend of garlic butter and cheese, delivering a creamy bite with just the right touch of spice and richness. The steak and noodles complement each other beautifully — making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying weekend indulgence, or an impressive meal for guests without needing multiple pans or complicated steps.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using just one pan.
• Minimal cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal.
• Rich flavor balance: Juicy steak meets creamy, garlicky noodles for ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile & crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
• Restaurant-style results: Without the cost or effort of dining out.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Before diving into the cooking, let’s get everything ready for a smooth and enjoyable kitchen experience. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but the right tools can make a huge difference in the texture and flavor of both the steak and the noodles.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Crucial for getting that perfect sear on your steak bites. It retains heat evenly, giving your beef those delicious browned edges.
• Medium Pot: Needed to boil the pasta to al dente perfection. A deep pot helps prevent boil-overs and gives noodles enough room to cook evenly.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the steak bites without piercing the meat and letting juices escape.
• Slotted Spoon or Pasta Spoon: For draining pasta while reserving some starchy water — which is key for a smooth, emulsified sauce.
• Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
• Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps mix the butter, garlic, and cheese without sticking or scratching your pan.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat Steak Dry: Always blot your steak cubes with paper towels before seasoning and searing. Moisture prevents a good crust from forming.
• Cut Even-Sized Steak Bites: For even cooking, aim for uniform bite-sized cubes.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: It melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into your sauce.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in a cheesy sauce and doesn’t turn mushy.
• Save Some Pasta Water: The starch in pasta water helps bind the cheese and butter into a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear steak bites in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting, flavor-packed dish to life. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing the richness of the steak with the creaminess of the noodles.

For the Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami richness)

For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, to thin the sauce)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Prep the Steak Bites

Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

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Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steak bites in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 1.5–2 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms. Remove and set aside. Add 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing briefly to deglaze and lift the steak bits. Return the steak bites to the pan, toss with garlic butter for another 30 seconds, then remove and keep warm.

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Step 4: Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic, letting it cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Whisk in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.

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Step 6: Toss in the Pasta

Add the cooked rotini back into the sauce. Toss until evenly coated and creamy. Let it sit on low heat for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.

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Step 7: Plate and Serve

Serve the cheesy garlic butter noodles onto a plate, top or pair with steak bites, and garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.

Enjoy hot and fresh!

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Notes

• Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin works beautifully for steak bites, but you can also use ribeye or NY strip for a fattier, more tender option.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded is best for creamy sauces.
• Reserve Pasta Water: A little goes a long way in loosening the sauce and helping it cling to every pasta twist without becoming watery.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan with Steak: This causes the meat to steam instead of sear. Sear in batches for the best browning.
• Skipping the Dry Pat on Steak: Moisture is the enemy of a good crust. Blotting steak cubes before seasoning makes a major difference.
• Using Cold Ingredients for the Sauce: Let your cream and cheese sit at room temperature briefly before cooking — cold ingredients can cause your sauce to break or clump.
• Overcooking the Steak Bites: They cook fast. Pull them once seared — they’ll finish gently in the garlic butter and stay juicy.
• Boiling Pasta Too Long: Overcooked noodles get mushy in creamy sauces. Aim for al dente and finish them in the pan.
• Neglecting to Season as You Go: Season the steak, the sauce, and the pasta separately for balanced, layered flavor.
• Overheating the Sauce: High heat can cause cheese to become gritty. Always melt cheeses over low to medium heat.
• Forgetting to Rest the Steak: Give it a minute or two to relax after cooking — this locks in the juices before serving.

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What to Serve With One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles?

This rich and comforting dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh, or tangy sides to balance out the creaminess and deepen the overall meal experience.

Here Are 8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli – A crisp, flavorful veggie side that complements the garlic butter notes without overpowering.
2. Simple Arugula Salad – Peppery greens tossed with lemon juice and olive oil provide a bright contrast to the richness of the dish.
3. Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Oven-roasted and seasoned with a pinch of sea salt for a crunchy, nutty pairing.
4. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy bite that balances the buttery noodles and hearty steak.
5. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms – Earthy and sweet-tart mushrooms enhance the umami of the steak bites.
6. Warm Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls are great for soaking up any extra cheesy garlic sauce.
7. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic — light and refreshing on the side.
8. Chili-Garlic Green Beans – A slightly spicy veggie option to cut through the creaminess of the pasta.

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Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores and reheats surprisingly well with a few simple tips.

• Refrigeration: Store cooled steak bites and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: While the steak bites freeze well, the creamy noodles may separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, store in separate containers and reheat gently.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Serving Size: 1.5–2 cups
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Fusion
• Diet: High Protein
• Keywords: one-pan dinner, steak and pasta, garlic butter noodles, easy dinner, comfort food

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely. While sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and price, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin work beautifully. Just be mindful of fat content and cooking time.

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2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with whole milk and a tablespoon of butter, or use half-and-half. Just note the sauce will be slightly less rich.

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3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s possible, but not ideal. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may result in a grainier sauce. Freshly shredded melts smoother.

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4. How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?

Avoid overcooking. Sear the steak quickly on high heat and remove as soon as it’s browned. Let it rest briefly before serving.

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5. Can I add vegetables to the noodles?

Yes! Baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli work well mixed into the cheesy pasta.

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6. Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. It’s garlicky and cheesy, but mild. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

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7. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components (steak and sauce) ahead and store them separately. Reheat gently before serving and toss everything together fresh.

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8. How can I make it lighter?

Use light cream or milk in place of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and pair with a veggie-loaded salad.

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Conclusion

One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles delivers all the satisfying richness of a steakhouse meal with the ease and speed of a weeknight dinner. Juicy, pan-seared steak bites meet velvety, cheesy pasta in a single skillet — no fuss, no mess, just crave-worthy comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress and easy to adapt. Keep it on rotation for those nights when you want flavor without the fuss.

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