The Juiciest Steak Bites & Penne in Smooth Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Tender morsels of steak bites dance through a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, creating a luxurious pasta experience that sparks instant comfort.

Each perfectly seared bite melts into the rich, silky sauce coating al dente penne.

The combination delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen.

Robust beef mingles with sharp parmesan cheese, creating depth and complexity in every forkful.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet moments with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce

• Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring even bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance meat's natural flavors and create a delicious crust during searing, providing depth to the steak bites.

• Butter: Creates rich, creamy foundation and helps develop golden-brown color for steak and sauce.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic depth and provides robust flavor backbone to the entire dish.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture and balances the bold garlic and cheese flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, sharp taste and helps thicken the sauce with its natural melting properties.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing subtle heat and exciting spicy undertones.

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone during steak cooking.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Provides bright, fresh garnish that elevates visual appeal and adds herbal freshness.

Kitchen Gear For Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and reserving cooking water.
• Large Skillet: Key for searing steak bites and creating the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season and measure ingredients.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta efficiently.
• Grater: Necessary for shredding Parmesan cheese smoothly.

How To Cook Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt. Cook penne until tender and smooth. Drain and keep some cooking water aside for later magic.

• Steak Searing

Sprinkle steak pieces with seasoning. Heat a skillet and drop in butter and oil. Carefully place steak cubes, creating a golden crust on each side. Cook quickly to maintain juiciness. Remove and let rest.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Lower skillet temperature. Melt butter and toss in minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence. Pour in cream, creating a silky base. Blend Parmesan cheese until perfectly smooth. If desired, add a hint of red pepper for warmth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Delicious Combination

Tumble pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece gets coated. Gently reintroduce steak bites, letting them mingle with the sauce and pasta.

• Final Touch

Shower the dish with fresh herbs for a vibrant burst of color. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to savor the rich, comforting flavors.

Helpful Tips For Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for the most succulent steak bites. Trim excess fat and cut against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Temperature Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred steak doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F, medium 145°F, and well-done 160°F. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to seal in juices.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate meal. This swap reduces calories while keeping the dish's delicious flavor profile intact.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried thyme to create unique flavor variations. Fresh herbs can dramatically enhance the overall taste and aroma of the dish.

Serving Ideas For Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce

• Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Create a cozy Italian-inspired dining experience by serving this dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like chopped basil or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, savory flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, which beautifully balances the creamy sauce and tender steak bites.
• Side Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.

Keep Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Separate the steak and pasta if possible to maintain better texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm portions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore sauce's silky consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery steak and separated sauce.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Pack completely cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best quality and flavor retention.
• Ingredient Preparation Hack: Consider chopping garlic, grating cheese, and cutting steak in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Refrigerate prepped ingredients for up to 24 hours, reducing cooking time and making meal assembly faster and smoother.

Succulent Steak Bites And Penne In Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent steak bites swim in a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce coating tender penne pasta. Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, creating restaurant-quality comfort that brings satisfaction directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook penne according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some cooking liquid for later use.
2. Steak Seasoning: Generously coat steak cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
3. Searing Steak: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Arrange steak cubes with space between them, searing 2-3 minutes per side to develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic to release aromatic flavors. Pour in heavy cream, gently simmering while stirring in Parmesan cheese until sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Season with salt and black pepper to balance the rich sauce. Add cooked penne, thoroughly coating pasta and loosening sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Final Assembly: Gently fold seared steak bites into the creamy pasta, allowing flavors to intermingle. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
7. Serving: Plate immediately, presenting a luxurious blend of tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Meat: Select a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness in steak bites.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden sear without burning meat, creating a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping inside juicy.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Space steak cubes separately in skillet to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming, which prevents developing rich, crispy crust.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce becomes too thick, creating smooth, clingy texture that perfectly coats pasta and steak.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 150mg