Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
This dish is everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. From the juicy, flavorful steak bites to the indulgent, creamy tortellini, every bite is bursting with flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce on the steak pairs perfectly with the velvety Alfredo sauce on the pasta. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a special treat, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this meal is sure to impress!

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Ingredients in Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Steak: You can use ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon—whatever you like!
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary adds a burst of freshness.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a bit of onion powder for seasoning the steak bites to perfection.
For the Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
- Tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini for this, but any kind will work.
- Heavy cream: The base of the creamy Alfredo sauce, making it super rich.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for that perfect cheesy flavor.
- Garlic: Yes, more garlic! It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Butter: Just a little bit of butter for richness in the sauce.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg elevate the flavor of the Alfredo.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Prep the Steak: Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the steak bites to the pan. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add the Garlic & Butter: Once the steak is cooked, add the remaining butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Let the garlic cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter has melted. Toss the steak bites in the garlic butter to coat them evenly, and then remove from the heat.
Make the Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the creamy Alfredo tortellini on a plate, and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or more Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in and enjoy the rich, creamy, savory goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 700
Total Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 47g
Calcium: 370mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 500mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
With a Side Salad
Pair this dish with a crisp, refreshing salad. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta and steak.
With Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love a good slice of garlic bread? Serve this with warm, toasty garlic bread to dip into that delicious creamy Alfredo sauce.
For Extra Flavor
Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Additional Tips
Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a leaner cut of steak like flank steak. You could even swap the tortellini for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Customize the Steak: You can use any cut of steak you prefer—ribeye is perfect for that juicy, tender bite, but sirloin or flank steak will also work if you want something a little leaner.
Add Veggies: Want to add some vegetables to the dish? Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even peas are great additions to the Alfredo tortellini. You can also toss in some roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you’re a fan of a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while making the garlic butter sauce or Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can cook the steak and Alfredo tortellini separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and then reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the tortellini for any pasta you like—penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work perfectly.
Q3: Can I make this dish with chicken instead of steak?
A3: Yes, chicken works wonderfully! Use chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook them in the same way as the steak.
Q4: How can I make the dish spicier?
A4: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of the steak.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese for the Alfredo sauce?
A5: While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or a bit of mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: To reheat leftovers, gently heat the steak and Alfredo pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened.
Q7: Can I make this dish without cream?
A7: Yes, you can use a mixture of milk and cornstarch to make a lighter Alfredo sauce. However, it won’t be as rich and creamy as the traditional version.
Q8: Can I make this dish without butter?
A8: You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter option. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Q9: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A9: Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and you’ll be all set.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
A10: Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas make a great addition to the creamy Alfredo tortellini. You can also roast some vegetables like broccoli or zucchini and toss them into the pasta for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and satisfying. From the tender steak bites to the creamy, cheesy pasta, this dish will definitely make you feel like you’re eating at a fancy restaurant, but without all the effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends (or just yourself), this meal is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
- This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini dish is the ultimate comfort food! Tender, juicy steak bites seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy tortellini in a decadent Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect hearty meal for steak lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
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For the garlic butter steak bites:
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1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the creamy Alfredo tortellini:
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1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 clove garlic, minced
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
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Cook the steak bites:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F, medium is 140°F).
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Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the garlic butter sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
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Return the steak to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the tortellini:
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While the steak bites are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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Make the creamy Alfredo sauce:
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In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine the tortellini and Alfredo sauce:
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Add the drained tortellini to the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
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Serve:
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Plate the creamy Alfredo tortellini and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
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Steak Options: You can use any steak you prefer, like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Adjust cooking time based on the cut and thickness.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak bites and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the steak bites and Alfredo sauce in advance. Simply reheat before serving and toss with freshly cooked tortellini.
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Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a splash of milk to the Alfredo sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg