Tender, buttery steak bites sizzling in a golden garlic butter bath, paired with cheese-stuffed tortellini smothered in a silky parmesan garlic sauce—this is comfort food on a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself to a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish is flavor-packed, satisfying, and quick enough to throw together in 30 minutes.
The juicy sear on the steak cubes gives you that steakhouse quality at home, and the creamy tortellini sauce brings a luxurious, cheesy twist to a classic pasta side. A perfect pairing that hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
- Quick and Satisfying: Ready in just 30 minutes but feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
- All-in-One Dinner: You get a balanced plate of protein and pasta in one dish.
- Bold Flavors: From garlic butter to parmesan, every element is rich and full of depth.
- Easy to Customize: Swap in chicken or shrimp, or use a different pasta if you like.
- Family Approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this dish, get your essentials prepped. Here’s what you’ll need to create steak bites with perfect sear and a creamy pasta that doesn’t clump.
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Heavy Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Crucial for getting that beautiful crust on your steak bites.
- Tongs or Spatula: For turning the steak without losing juices.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for cooking the tortellini evenly.
- Whisk: To blend the parmesan garlic sauce until creamy and smooth.
- Garlic Press (Optional): Speeds up mincing fresh garlic without mess.
Having your tools ready ensures everything moves quickly and efficiently since timing is key when working with steak and pasta simultaneously.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
- Sirloin Steak (or Ribeye): The star of the dish. Tender and juicy cuts are best for quick searing.
- Tortellini (Cheese-Filled): Adds a comforting, creamy pasta base that balances the rich steak.
- Butter: The base for our garlic sauce and key to a golden sear on the steak.
- Garlic (Fresh): Intensifies the overall flavor profile with its aromatic punch.
- Heavy Cream: Brings the luxurious, creamy texture to the parmesan sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Melts into the cream for that nutty, cheesy finish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the ingredients.
- Parsley (Optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Pat the steak dry and cut into bite-sized cubes. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of butter. Sear steak pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until a crust forms. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Tortellini
Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for steak, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked tortellini in the sauce to coat evenly. Return steak bites to the skillet and let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper if desired.
Serving & Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini
Serve this dish piping hot, straight from the skillet to the plate. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted veggies on the side if you’re aiming for extra greens. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the steak bites juicy?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steak. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, and avoid overcooking—2-3 minutes per side is plenty.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just boil it according to package directions and proceed with the recipe as written.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin is a great option for its balance of tenderness and affordability. Ribeye will give you an even richer flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce a few hours in advance, but it’s best freshly made to ensure it stays smooth and doesn’t separate.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and a vegan parmesan substitute. It changes the flavor slightly but still works well.
Can I add veggies to the dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great add-ins.
Want More Steak and Pasta Ideas?
If you love this garlic butter steak and creamy tortellini combo, you’ll enjoy exploring these other comfort-filled creations:
- Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for a bowtie twist with savory richness.
- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a satisfying, cheese-stretching pasta.
- Quick and Simple Savory Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with bold cheese depth.
- Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini for a sweet-savory pasta pairing.
- Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you’re after a creamy-meets-hearty bowl.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spinach? Try it with shrimp instead of steak?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini and Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Tortellini is a savory 30-minute meal made with tender seared steak, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. This easy weeknight dinner recipe combines bold flavor, creamy pasta, and juicy bites of beef for a comforting dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into cubes
9 oz cheese-filled tortellini
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter.
3. Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, boil salted water and cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. In the same skillet used for steak, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Stir in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then add parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth.
7. Add cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir to coat.
8. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss gently to warm through.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra pepper if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For the juiciest steak, avoid overcooking—2 to 3 minutes per side is perfect.
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and enhances the sauce.
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream to maintain a silky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg


