Pin
I whipped up these Garlic Butter Steak Bits with Cheesy Rigatoni when I needed something warm and filling. This combo was born one chilly night when I couldn't choose between beef and pasta - now it's what we crave for special meals. There's something magical about those juicy steak chunks smothered in that buttery garlic sauce mixed with the chewy, cheese-filled pasta that makes every bite worth savoring.
Family Table Tale
You'll get fancy dining flavors at home with barely any trouble. The magic starts when those seared beef pieces meet the velvety pasta. Each tube of rigatoni gets coated in that buttery sauce and picks up little pockets of melted cheese, making everyone grab seconds before they've finished firsts.
Straight From My Home
- Quality Beef: 1 pound of sirloin or ribeye at room temp cut into mouth-watering chunks.
- Tasty Pasta: 12 ounces of rigatoni boiled just right, keep some cooking water handy.
- Actual Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted for that smooth sauce base.
- Raw Garlic: 4 fat cloves chopped small brings everything to life.
- Thick Cream: 1 cup turns everything wonderfully rich.
- Tasty Cheese: 1 cup stretchy mozzarella and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan.
- Yard Parsley: 2 tablespoons freshly chopped adds color and pop.
- Coarse Salt Pepper: Just the right amount makes everything pop.
Making Mealtime Wonder
- Pasta Start
- Boil those tubes in extra salty water till they're just right, hang onto some of that starchy water for later.
- Beef Touch
- Get butter bubbling hot and toss in beef bits until they're golden outside and juicy inside.
- Creamy Wonder
- Drop in more butter, let garlic soften, pour cream and watch cheese melt into something dreamy.
- Final Mix
- Combine everything with care, let pasta soak up sauce, drop in steak chunks, splash in pasta water until it all comes together beautifully.
Pin
Beef Cooking Tips
Don't forget to let your steak sit out before cooking. My trusty cast iron pan gets those perfect brown edges. Make sure you don't crowd the meat when cooking. Giving them a quick rest after cooking means they'll stay juicy when you dig in.
Great Side Options
We usually pair this with a basic green salad with lemony dressing. Sometimes I throw asparagus or brussels sprouts in the oven too. Fresh baked garlic bread is perfect for wiping up any sauce left on your plate.
Pin
Final Thoughts
Succulent steak pieces meet rich garlic butter and smooth cheese in this creamy pasta dish. It's simple to make, yet feels fancy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Which steak cut works best?
Go with ribeye or sirloin tips for tender bites. Make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
- → How can I fix a thick sauce?
Keep a bit of pasta water handy. Slowly add splashes to loosen up the sauce until it's just right.
- → Can veggies be included?
Sure! Toss in things like mushrooms, spinach, or peas while cooking the garlic for a flavor boost.
- → Why does my cheese clump up?
Let the pan cool down before adding cheese and stir it constantly. High heat can ruin the texture.
- → What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm gently on the stove with a bit of milk or cream. Microwaving can make the sauce lose its smoothness.