If you’re looking for a dinner that’s decadent, flavorful, and easy to put together, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini recipe has it all. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared in rich garlic butter, then paired with cheesy tortellini tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. I tried this once using a mix of cheese and spinach tortellini, and the contrast of flavors was absolutely divine — comforting, hearty, and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures — the garlicky, buttery steak melts in your mouth, while the creamy Alfredo-coated tortellini adds a luxurious, cheesy balance. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. The entire meal comes together in under 40 minutes, and each bite feels like pure indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini is a luxurious, flavor-packed meal featuring tender, seared steak bites tossed in garlic butter and served with cheesy tortellini in a creamy Alfredo sauce — a perfect restaurant-style dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Alfredo Tortellini:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (if needed for thinning)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Keep warm.
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
- Toss cooked tortellini into the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Serve creamy Alfredo tortellini topped with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, silky sauce.
- For added flavor, deglaze the steak pan with a splash of white wine or beef broth before adding butter.
- Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak
Use sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip, cut into bite-sized cubes. Sirloin offers great flavor and tenderness without breaking the bank.
Butter
Unsalted butter is essential for creating the rich, garlicky sauce that coats the steak and ties the dish together.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and flavor — the heart of this recipe.
Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil helps sear the steak evenly and prevents the butter from burning.
Salt and Pepper
Season generously to bring out the natural flavor of the steak.
Italian Seasoning
A pinch of Italian seasoning adds herby notes that complement both the steak and Alfredo sauce.
Cheese Tortellini
Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the luscious Alfredo sauce that coats every tortellini perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce naturally.
Chicken Broth
A bit of chicken broth lightens the sauce and deepens the flavor.
Parsley
Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the finished dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
A dash of red pepper flakes gives the dish a mild kick, balancing the richness.
Directions
- Prepare the tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sear the steak bites: Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the steak bites to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling tortellini
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate. You can also freeze the Alfredo sauce separately for up to 2 months and combine it with freshly cooked pasta and steak when ready to serve.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic butter for a rich, earthy addition.
Spinach Alfredo Twist – Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving for color and nutrition.
Cajun Steak Bites – Season the steak with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky twist.
Sun-Dried Tomato Upgrade – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce for a tangy kick.
Four-Cheese Alfredo – Mix Parmesan with mozzarella, Romano, and Asiago for extra creaminess.
Lemon Garlic Option – Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty finish.
Bacon Infusion – Toss in crispy bacon pieces for added crunch and smoky flavor.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
Sirloin or ribeye is ideal — they’re flavorful, tender, and cook quickly.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.
How do I get the steak bites perfectly browned?
Make sure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd the skillet — cook in batches if needed.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Asiago, Romano, or Grana Padano are great alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and sauce in advance, but combine everything fresh before serving for the best texture.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — broccoli, asparagus, or peas pair wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Add more Parmesan or simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes — otherwise, it’s mild and creamy.
Can I serve this with other sides?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but garlic bread or a crisp salad makes a great companion.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini is the definition of indulgent comfort food — rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The seared steak adds depth and savoriness, while the creamy Alfredo tortellini provides a luxurious, cheesy balance. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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