Imagine sizzling, juicy steak bites infused with garlic butter and seared to perfection, nestled alongside pillowy cheese tortellini bathed in a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. This recipe is the ultimate weeknight indulgence—comfort food with a steakhouse flair, right from your kitchen.

Perfect for date nights, special family dinners, or simply satisfying a cozy comfort craving, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini deliver bold flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a hero for busy nights.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

For the best results, opt for a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Sirloin is budget-friendly and still juicy, while ribeye brings extra marbling and flavor. Make sure to cut the steak into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and a gorgeous sear on all sides.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

Steak: Choose sirloin or ribeye for juicy, tender bites that sear beautifully and soak up the garlic butter.

Garlic Butter: Fresh garlic sautéed in butter transforms the steak into a flavor-packed experience.

Cheese Tortellini: This pasta adds richness and comfort; it also pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Heavy Cream: Essential for that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the tortellini.

Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty element that balances the richness of the sauce.

Garlic Powder + Italian Seasoning: Layers of flavor that build into something crave-worthy.

Olive Oil: Helps achieve a great sear on the steak.

Salt & Pepper: The backbone of seasoning, enhancing every other flavor.

Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the tortellini. Meanwhile, pat the steak dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear each side for about 2–3 minutes or until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Return the steak bites to the skillet and spoon some sauce over them.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini

Serve this dish hot and fresh from the skillet, ideally with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Garlic bread is a dreamy pairing too.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have tortellini?

You can substitute with any short pasta like penne or rotini, but cheese tortellini brings the perfect creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the steak and sauce ahead, and cook tortellini fresh when ready to serve. Reheat steak gently to avoid overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely. Just follow the package instructions for boiling. Make sure to drain well before adding to the sauce.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A rich Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Merlot pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic and savory steak.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini, try these other comforting meals:

Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for another savory, meaty favorite.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine if you love bright citrus and cream.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a velvety twist on alfredo.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a hearty pasta dish with veggies.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you’re craving something cheesy and nostalgic.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sear your steak well-done or keep it medium rare? Did you sneak in extra garlic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more weeknight inspiration and recipes like this on my Pinterest Life with Nina.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort dinner. Juicy seared steak bites cooked in rich garlic butter, paired with cheese-filled tortellini coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, impressive, and packed with flavor.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly.

6. Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

7. Return steak bites to the skillet and stir gently.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.