When tender, juicy steak bites meet a rich garlic parmesan sauce and twirl into rotini pasta, something magical happens. This dish is the definition of indulgence—comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of creamy with every forkful. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is your one-skillet solution.

The beauty of this dish is in its contrast. The steak bites are seasoned and seared to perfection, giving you a slightly crisp crust with a juicy center. Then they’re nestled against rotini pasta that’s been blanketed in a garlic parmesan cream sauce that’s bursting with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the best results, choose a cut of steak that’s tender and quick to cook. Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are all solid options. Cut them into bite-sized pieces before searing to create that golden crust without overcooking. You want that rich beefy flavor to shine through the creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini

Steak Bites – Ribeye or sirloin brings in juicy, flavorful bites that crisp up beautifully when seared.

Rotini Pasta – This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for grabbing onto creamy sauces in every twist and turn.

Heavy Cream – The base of our luxurious parmesan sauce, bringing in rich body and silkiness.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the cream with deep, savory flavor.

Parmesan Cheese – The star of the sauce, parmesan melts into the cream for nutty, salty richness.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add bursts of sweet tanginess and chewy texture that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Fresh Parsley – Adds color and brightness to balance out the cream and steak.

Butter + Olive Oil – A blend for perfect searing and a silky finish to the sauce.

Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but recommended for a little kick of heat.

Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every component of the dish.

How To Make the Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak pieces with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, sear the steak bites in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini into the skillet and toss to coat. Fold in the steak bites and any juices they released. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper to taste.

Serving and Storing Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini

This meal is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Serve it family-style in a large bowl or plate it individually for an elegant touch. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top makes it pop.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or even shells work beautifully. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce well.

What if I don’t eat beef?

Chicken or shrimp make excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cook time to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and steak bites ahead of time and refrigerate. Prepare the sauce fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How can I make this lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.

Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly—the red pepper flakes add a gentle heat. Feel free to adjust or omit based on your preference.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more cozy, satisfying dinner recipes like this, check these out next:

Try my Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comforting twist on alfredo.
This One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta is bold, rich, and oh-so-satisfying.
My Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine brings a bright citrusy spin to creamy pasta.
If you’re after beefy indulgence, the Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta hits all the right notes.
And don’t miss the ultra-comforting Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a nostalgic creamy favorite.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ribeye or sirloin? Did you make it spicy?

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

Looking for more creamy pasta or dinner ideas? Be sure to follow my Pinterest where I share daily new dishes: Life with Nina Recipes

Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavor, this Steak Bites in Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rotini recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner night. Seared, tender steak bites nestle into rotini swirled with a velvety garlic parmesan sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and always a hit at the table.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and black pepper.

3. Sear steak bites in batches, cooking for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and medium rare. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously.

6. Add parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

7. Add cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

8. Return steak bites to the skillet, including any juices. Toss gently to combine.

9. Finish with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately with extra parmesan if desired.