This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Tender, juicy pieces of seared steak are bathed in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s silky, savory, and completely addictive. It’s the perfect meal for steak lovers who crave a creamy twist. I once served this over mashed potatoes instead of pasta, and it was a total hit—rich, filling, and bursting with flavor. Whether you pair it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the bold, beefy flavor of perfectly seared steak bites and the smooth decadence of a Parmesan cream sauce. It’s surprisingly simple, comes together in under 30 minutes, and feels like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant. The garlic butter adds depth and aroma, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s hearty, elegant, and guaranteed to impress—no steakhouse required.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce – Rich, Juicy, and Irresistibly Indulgent
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a decadent, restaurant-style dish featuring juicy, tender steak pieces seared in rich garlic butter and served with a smooth, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for special dinners or when you want bold, luxurious flavors in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt until foamy.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining tablespoon of butter, and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss steak bites back in the skillet, coating them in garlic butter. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter for the cream sauce. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use ribeye or sirloin for the juiciest, most flavorful steak bites.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Pair with fettuccine or garlic mashed potatoes for a full meal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak — work in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin or Ribeye Steak
Tender, juicy cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best. Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Butter
Used to sear the steak and build that rich, garlicky base for the sauce.
Olive Oil
Helps achieve a golden sear without burning the butter.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter and cream sauce with deep, savory flavor.
Heavy Cream
The base of the sauce—thick, smooth, and indulgently creamy.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps thicken it naturally.
Beef Broth
Adds richness and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the steak and balancing the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning
Adds subtle herb flavor that complements both the beef and sauce.
Parsley
Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a touch of freshness at the end.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
For those who like a little kick in their cream sauce.
Directions
- Prepare the steak bites. Pat steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Sear the steak. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter base. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the cream sauce. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Combine. Return the steak bites (and any juices) to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.
- Serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the sauce separate.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, umami boost.
Spinach Alfredo Style: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach before serving for color and freshness.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of Cajun seasoning for heat.
Lemon Garlic Twist: Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce.
Cheese Blend: Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or Asiago for a cheesier, more complex flavor.
Bacon Infusion: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for a smoky, savory finish.
Herb Butter Upgrade: Mix softened butter with garlic and parsley for a flavorful finishing touch.
Wine Lovers’ Version: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine before adding cream for added depth.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or roasted zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
Pasta Pairing: Toss with fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne for an ultra-creamy, restaurant-style meal.
FAQs
What’s the best steak for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are all excellent choices for tender, flavorful bites.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be lighter. Add more Parmesan to help thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, make the sauce fresh just before serving.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit of extra Parmesan.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts smoother, but pre-grated works if you whisk well.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Sear it quickly on high heat and remove from the pan as soon as it’s browned.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs work perfectly in this recipe.
What should I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread complement it beautifully.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers—just reheat gently and whisk the sauce to restore texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily adjust the spice with crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. Each bite of juicy steak is enveloped in a luxurious, garlicky sauce that’s creamy without being heavy. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe is guaranteed to impress—and once you’ve made it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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