Sink your fork into this comforting plate of One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles – a dish that brings together juicy, seared-to-perfection steak and creamy, cheesy rotini noodles swimming in garlic butter. This recipe balances bold flavor and creamy indulgence all in a single skillet, making it the ultimate answer to busy weeknights and indulgent cravings.

The tender steak bites are cooked to a savory crust with a hint of garlic, then nestled beside pasta drenched in a silky, melty cheese sauce that clings to every twist of the noodle. It’s hearty, indulgent, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes you want to go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

One-pan simplicity – fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Crowd-pleasing flavor with juicy steak and cheesy pasta in every bite.
Fast and hearty – on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Versatile enough for weeknight dinner or a cozy date night in.
Comfort food classic with a modern garlic-butter twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Ideal for getting that seared crust on the steak and even heat distribution.
Tongs: Helps you turn and sear the steak cubes evenly without piercing the meat.
Large Pot or Saucepan: For boiling pasta perfectly al dente.
Colander: A must for draining your cooked pasta without breaking the noodles.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Best for stirring the sauce and combining everything without scratching your cookware.

Each tool supports the simplicity and success of this recipe. A cast iron skillet delivers a charred sear you can’t replicate otherwise, while a reliable colander ensures your noodles stay intact for maximum sauce cling.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Steak (sirloin or ribeye): The star of the dish, tender and perfect for quick searing.
Rotini pasta: Its spiraled shape traps the cheesy garlic butter sauce in every bite.
Butter: The base for the garlic sauce and steak sear; adds rich flavor.
Minced garlic: Essential for the savory depth in both the steak and noodle sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a velvety base for the cheese sauce.
Shredded mozzarella and parmesan: Melt together into an irresistibly gooey and savory cheese sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Brings out the flavor of both steak and noodles.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness to the final plate.

How To Make the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and sear seasoned steak cubes until browned and slightly crusty on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the steak cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for steak, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and stir gently. Once it simmers, add in shredded mozzarella and parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss in the drained pasta and stir to coat with the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Add the steak bites back to the pan. Mix gently or serve with steak bites on top.

How to Serve and Store One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Serve this dish hot straight from the pan for ultimate comfort. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper for a little heat. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

To store, let leftovers cool fully before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are great picks because they cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well, though rotini holds onto sauce beautifully.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic, or drizzle with a spicy garlic chili oil when serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta and check your cheese labels.

Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Yes, though it won’t get the same caramelized crust. Add it at the end to warm through.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal, as creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Want More Beef & Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles, here are a few more flavorful ideas to try:

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for another cheesy twist.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta – another one-pan comfort hit.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with layers of cheesy goodness.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini – sweet, sticky, and satisfying.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni – rich, bold, and utterly craveable.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sirloin or ribeye? Add extra cheese or a dash of heat?

I love hearing your kitchen experiments and swaps. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other make dinner better!