If you are searching for a dish that feels like a cozy celebration on your plate, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines tender, perfectly seared steak bites enveloped in a heavenly garlic butter sauce, paired with pillowy cheese tortellini smothered in rich, creamy Alfredo. Every forkful melds the savory warmth of the steak with the luscious comfort of the pasta, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a distinctive touch that builds layers of flavor, texture, and color in the dish. From the juicy meat to the velvety Alfredo, every component works together to create harmony on your plate.
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, flavorful steak bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect base for searing the steak to a golden crust.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation of the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible aroma and bold flavor to the steak bites.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme: Herbal notes that brighten the richness of the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pillows of pasta that soak up the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the Alfredo.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances the smooth texture of the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Continues the garlic love in the pasta sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle warm spice that elevates the Alfredo without overpowering it.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish that adds brightness to the plate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Steak Bites
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer—this helps them sear evenly for that gorgeous golden crust you want. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Aim for medium-rare if you want the juiciest bites, or cook longer to your preference. Once done, transfer the steak out of the skillet to rest.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic and thyme. Let this cook gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic fills your kitchen with its irresistible scent and just begins to turn golden. Return the steak bites to the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce. Let the flavors combine for another 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Then set aside off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortellini
While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—usually 2 to 4 minutes until tender and floating to the surface. Drain and set aside, so they’re ready to be bathed in creamy goodness.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned, keeping that bright garlicky taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it just to a simmer before whisking in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Let this simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Tortellini with Alfredo Sauce
Gently fold the drained tortellini into the creamy Alfredo sauce, making sure each cheesy pocket is coated with silky sauce. This is where the magic happens—creamy pasta that’s rich but balanced.
Step 6: Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Plate the Alfredo-coated tortellini, then nestle the garlicky steak bites on top. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything for that pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a light, herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. You can also add some extra grated Parmesan or a crack of fresh black pepper on top for a finishing touch that invites people to dig in.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to refresh the palate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make for vibrant, healthy companions that balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the steak bites atop a mound of Alfredo tortellini in shallow bowls, allowing guests to appreciate the layering of flavors visually. You could also plate the components side by side for a rustic feel or put the steak bites on skewers over the creamy pasta for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak bites and creamy Alfredo tortellini in separate airtight containers to maintain their individual textures. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and delicious.
Freezing
Freezing is best reserved for the tortellini and Alfredo sauce alone, as steak bites can become tough after thawing. Store the pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the Alfredo tortellini gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess. Reheat steak bites quickly in a hot pan to avoid overcooking and drying out, or enjoy them cold mixed into a salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with flank or skirt steak, just slice thin against the grain and adjust cooking time accordingly for best results.
What type of tortellini works best here?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is perfect for this recipe because it cooks quickly and easily absorbs the Alfredo sauce, but fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are great options as well.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative along with a nutritional yeast-based cheese substitute for a delicious dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the steak bites and Alfredo tortellini separately, store in airtight containers, and combine when ready to serve. This keeps textures intact and flavors fresh.
Can I add vegetables to the Alfredo tortellini?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes adds a delightful twist while increasing the nutritional value and adding layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. It’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again because it just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make meal combining tender garlic butter steak bites with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with cheese tortellini. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and flavorful.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the steak bites: 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).
- Remove steak from skillet: Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce and pasta.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
- Toss steak in garlic butter: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook as per package instructions, usually 2-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy Alfredo sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season Alfredo sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Combine tortellini and sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and gently stir to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Alfredo tortellini and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to cook steak to your preferred doneness for perfect results.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme works well but use slightly less due to its concentrated flavor.
- The ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the Alfredo sauce—don’t skip it!
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding steak to get a nice sear and caramelization.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
