Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, decadent, packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor, customizable, and incredibly versatile. The steak bites cook fast while the sauce stays silky and comforting—an ideal pairing for any cozy dinner.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce: A Luxurious, Quick, and Comforting Skillet Meal
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter and tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce—an indulgent, restaurant-quality dish made easily at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season steak bites with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before adding cream.
- Use grated—not shredded—Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Make it lighter with half-and-half (sauce will be thinner).
- Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak
Cuts easily into tender, bite-sized pieces that sear beautifully.
Butter
Provides richness and helps caramelize the steak while infusing it with flavor.
Olive oil
Prevents the butter from burning during high-heat searing.
Garlic
Adds bold aromatic depth to both the steak and the sauce.
Heavy cream
Creates the velvety base of the Parmesan cream sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Adds savory, salty richness and thickens the sauce naturally.
Italian seasoning or dried thyme
Boosts the flavor with herbal warmth.
Salt and black pepper
Enhance the steak’s savory notes and balance the sauce.
Fresh parsley
Brightens the dish with color and freshness.
Directions
Begin by cutting the steak into even-sized cubes and patting them dry—this ensures a perfect sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and part of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, cooking until deeply browned on the outside but still tender inside. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat slightly and add the remaining butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens into a glossy, creamy consistency.
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Allow everything to warm through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 22 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may toughen the steak. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Parmesan Sauce
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for earthy depth.
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Herb-Infused Version
Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary during the sauce simmer.
Creamy Wine Sauce
Add a splash of white wine before the cream for acidity and richness.
Steak and Spinach Skillet
Fold in baby spinach until wilted for added nutrients.
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and vibrant color.
Lemon Garlic Steak Bites
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Blue Cheese Crumble Upgrade
Top with blue cheese for bold flavor.
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
Pasta Night Version
Toss with fettuccine or penne for a decadent steak pasta.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is affordable and tender, while ribeye adds extra richness.
How do I get a good sear?
Dry the steak well, avoid overcrowding, and cook on high heat.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Cream is best; milk will thin the sauce and may curdle.
Will pre-grated Parmesan work?
Freshly grated melts better, but pre-grated works if stirred well.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
Is the dish very garlicky?
It’s flavorful but balanced—add more garlic if you prefer stronger notes.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs work beautifully.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Cook quickly on high heat and avoid overcooking.
Can I add vegetables?
Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas work well.
Does this pair well with pasta?
Absolutely—it’s delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a luxurious yet simple recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into an indulgent skillet dinner. With tender steak, rich garlic butter, and a silky Parmesan sauce, it’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. Perfect for busy nights or special meals at home, this dish offers restaurant-quality satisfaction in every bite.
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