Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that feels luxurious yet comes together in under an hour. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection in garlic butter, creating a rich and savory base. They are then paired with a silky Parmesan cream sauce that adds depth, creaminess, and a touch of indulgence. This dish is versatile, as it can be served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice, making it an excellent centerpiece for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of seared steak and creamy Parmesan sauce strikes the perfect balance between hearty and elegant. What makes it even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare at home while still tasting like something from a restaurant. If you enjoy bold flavors and comforting meals, this recipe will undoubtedly become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce – A Decadent and Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy, tender steak bites seared in garlic butter and served with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce for an indulgent and flavorful meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- 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 browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return steak bites to skillet and toss in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the juiciest steak bites, avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or Parmesan as desired.
- Pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (sirloin or ribeye) – Cut into bite-sized pieces, steak provides the juicy, tender protein that anchors this dish.
Olive oil – Helps sear the steak bites, locking in flavor and creating a golden crust.
Butter – Enriches the dish, adding a luxurious, savory base for the garlic and steak.
Garlic – Infuses the butter with a fragrant, savory aroma that enhances the flavor of the meat.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the steak.
Heavy cream – The foundation of the Parmesan sauce, lending a rich, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness, nuttiness, and umami depth to the creamy sauce.
Chicken or beef broth – Thins the sauce slightly while adding savory depth.
Onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness and balance to the cream sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Provide a mild kick that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh garnish that balances the heavy cream and steak flavors.
Directions
Begin by preparing the steak. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until thickened.
Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the Parmesan cream sauce until fully coated. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to warm through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with cooking requiring an additional 20 minutes. In total, the dish is ready in 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for both busy weeknights and dinner parties.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can overcook the steak. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Addition – Add sautéed mushrooms to the cream sauce for an earthy, savory touch.
Herb-Infused – Incorporate thyme or rosemary into the garlic butter for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Low-Carb Option – Serve the steak bites over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or potatoes.
Cheese Blend – Mix Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a more complex sauce.
Wine Enrichment – Add a splash of white wine when making the cream sauce for extra depth.
Surf and Turf – Pair the steak bites with shrimp cooked in garlic butter for a decadent duo.
Lighter Version – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly less rich sauce.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they are tender and flavorful, but strip steak also works.
Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs can be substituted for a lighter version.
How do I prevent the steak bites from overcooking?
Sear them quickly over high heat and remove once browned, letting the sauce finish warming them.
Can I make the sauce without cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, milk, or even Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be less rich.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the Parmesan cream sauce ahead and reheat gently before adding the steak bites.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables complement it beautifully.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Can this dish be frozen?
It is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it longer or add extra Parmesan cheese for a thicker consistency.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich and indulgent dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. With tender steak, buttery garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for entertaining, it is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether served with pasta, potatoes, or vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.