Friends, if you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s astonishingly simple to whip up, I have just the thing for you. The One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need to transform a regular dinner night into a delicious celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. Tender, juicy steak cubes mingled with velvety, cheesy noodles all cooked in one pan—what’s not to love? Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing a balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes that make the dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose a tender cut for juicy steak bites that sear perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For a high-heat sear that locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the steak.
- 2 tbsp butter (for steak): Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic flavor into the meat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for steak): Garlic’s aroma brings a delicious depth to the seared steak.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: This spice gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the beef’s natural flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic profile, ensuring it shines without overwhelming.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out every nuance of flavor.
- 12 oz egg noodles or fettuccine: Your comforting base; choose your favorite pasta shape for texture.
- 3 tbsp butter (for noodles): Creates a luscious foundation for the garlic butter sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for noodles): Fresh garlic elevates the creamy sauce with that iconic aromatic kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the richness and silky texture for the cheesy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty intensity crucial for the cheesy noodles.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly to keep the noodles wonderfully gooey and cheesy.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to balance all that creaminess.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed): Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating consistency without watering it down.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, Extra Parmesan: Fresh herbs and more cheese add a vibrant, finishing touch.
How to Make One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles to Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your egg noodles or fettuccine and cook until they’re just al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. This is key because the noodles will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all that cheesy goodness. Before draining the noodles, save half a cup of the pasta water; it’s a little secret for silky, smooth sauce consistency later!
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
While the noodles are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak cubes generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the steak pieces in a single layer. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous, caramelized crust and remain tender inside. This step locks in juices and flavors—take your time to get that perfect sear!
Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic to the Steak
Once the steak bites are browned, toss in butter along with the minced garlic. Cook just until the butter melts and the garlic releases its aroma, coating every bite of steak with fragrant, buttery goodness. Then, remove the steak from skillet and set it aside to rest. Resting keeps the meat rich and juicy.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter for the noodles and sauté the second batch of minced garlic for about 30 seconds—it should be fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer, stirring often. Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the sauce is silky, creamy, and perfectly melted. Season this heavenly sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat. If it feels a tad too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches your dream sauce consistency.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Steak Bites
Now toss those al dente noodles right into the luscious garlic butter sauce, stirring so every strand gets coated in cheesy perfection. Nestle the rested steak bites back into the skillet, folding gently so the flavors marry beautifully. Let everything warm through for a minute or two, and your dish is ready to dazzle.
Step 6: Serve it Up Hot
Serve this sensational One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe straight from the skillet to your plate, topped with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Trust me, every bite will feel like a little celebration at your dinner table!
How to Serve One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous freshness that brightens the rich, creamy sauce. A little extra Parmesan on top enhances the cheesy flavor and gives it an irresistibly savory finish that whispers “eat me!” with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables gives a lovely contrast to the richness. Think simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted asparagus – these bring crunch and freshness that lift the meal to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in mini cast-iron skillets right at the table for individual servings. Or pile the steak bites and noodles on a rustic wooden board garnished with parsley and Parmesan for a shareable family-style meal. Either way, the presentation adds personality and invites everyone to dive in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which I highly recommend you do because it tastes even better the next day), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The steak bites stay tender, and the sauce thickens beautifully overnight, making for an easy reheat that feels just as exciting.
Freezing
While the creamy nature of this pasta makes freezing a bit tricky, you can freeze portions of the cooked steak bites separately in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. The noodles and sauce are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen, as cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the cheesiness and keep everything decadent and smooth. Stir often to prevent sticking and enjoy your leftovers like they were just made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles or fettuccine work wonderfully here due to their texture and ability to hold the sauce, feel free to try penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I cook the steak differently?
Yes! If you prefer, you can grill the steak bites for a smoky flavor before tossing them into the sauce, though searing in the skillet helps incorporate all those buttery garlic flavors seamlessly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and choose vegan cheese substitutes. The dish will be a little different but still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to your liking or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can dice the steak and mince the garlic ahead of time to save on prep. Cooking the pasta fresh is recommended for the best texture, but overall this is a quick meal to assemble at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe a go because it’s the kind of comfort food that feels special yet effortless. Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of seared steak mingling with rich, cheesy garlic noodles—all from just one pan. It’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to, whether for a cozy dinner or to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe combines tender, flavorful steak cubes with rich, creamy, cheesy noodles in an easy-to-make skillet dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner featuring savory garlic, smoked paprika, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- 12 oz egg noodles or fettuccine
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear the steak cubes for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned on the outside and tender inside.
- Add Butter and Garlic to Steak: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Toss the steak to coat it in the flavorful butter garlic mixture, then remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning.
- Toss Noodles and Steak: Add the cooked noodles into the creamy sauce and toss until they are thoroughly coated. Gently return the steak bites to the skillet and stir everything together to combine flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic butter noodles with steak bites hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use ribeye for richer flavor or sirloin for a leaner option.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Do not overcook the steak to keep it tender; medium-rare to medium is ideal.
- Red pepper flakes are optional for a mild kick; omit if sensitive to spice.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
