One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

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If you’re craving a dinner that’s indulgent, cozy, and unbelievably easy to make, this One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe is your perfect match. With juicy, seared steak bites and rich, creamy noodles swirled in garlic butter and cheese, this meal is pure weeknight luxury. Everything cooks up in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more flavor-packed goodness with every bite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Tender steak cubes get a golden, caramelized sear while the noodles soak up a garlic butter cream sauce that’s velvety and just the right amount of cheesy. It’s a comfort food dish that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen and tastes like something from your favorite steakhouse.

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What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Steak Bites?

You’ll want a tender cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy. Sirloin is a popular choice—affordable, flavorful, and easy to cube. Ribeye works beautifully too, with its marbled fat creating even more richness. Filet is the most tender, though on the pricier side. Avoid tougher cuts like round or chuck unless marinating ahead of time.

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

Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): This is the star of the dish. Cubed and seared, it delivers a rich, meaty bite.

Rotini Pasta: The spirals grab onto all that creamy, garlicky cheese sauce.

Butter: Used for both the steak and the sauce, butter brings savory depth and richness.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter sauce with a bold, aromatic flavor.

Heavy Cream: Gives the noodles their luscious, silky texture.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess; Parmesan adds salty, nutty balance.

Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley gives a fresh finish and a pop of color.

Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the garlic, butter, and steak flavors shine.

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How To Make the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the cubed steak in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add more butter. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step lays the foundation for the flavor-packed sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a simmer. Add the rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat them in the creamy noodles. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

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How to Serve and Store One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Serve this dish piping hot straight from the skillet for the best creamy texture and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A slice of crusty garlic bread on the side never hurts, either!

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak, and don’t overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary and sear just until browned.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Just adjust the cooking time and water as needed.

What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?

You can use Monterey Jack or provolone for meltiness. For extra sharp flavor, try white cheddar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the steak and sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Due to the cream sauce, it’s not ideal for freezing—it may separate. However, leftovers can be refrigerated short-term.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a touch of cream cheese will work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

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Want More Steak and Pasta Ideas?

If this One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe made your taste buds happy, you’ll love these other hearty favorites from the blog:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – a dreamy blend of garlic, ricotta, and tender chicken.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta – perfect if you’re craving a beefy spaghetti twist.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta – a spicy version of tonight’s dish.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – nostalgic and creamy in all the right ways.
• One Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta – saucy, sticky, and totally comforting.

Looking for more daily dinner inspiration? Check out all the recipes I share over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always at your fingertips.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra cheese or go spicy with chili flakes? Maybe you swapped the steak for shrimp?

I love seeing how you make my recipes your own. Feel free to drop your questions and tips too—let’s cook better together!

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