Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni recipe combines tender, seared sirloin steak cubes tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The rigatoni is coated in a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and spices, making it the perfect comforting side to the flavorful steak bites. Ready in 45 minutes, this dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesy Mozzarella Rigatoni
- 1 lb Rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot or a separate large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth. Simmer gently, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Thin with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Toss Rigatoni in Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to cheese sauce and toss gently to coat. Keep warm while preparing the steak bites.
- Prepare Steak: Pat steak cubes dry to ensure a good sear. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add half the steak cubes in a single layer, searing 2-3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining steak.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to skillet, cooking 1 minute until fragrant while stirring. Stir in Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Toss Steak with Sauce: Return all steak bites to skillet and toss for 1 minute to coat fully in garlic butter. Avoid overcooking the steak.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry is essential for a perfect sear and caramelization.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the cheese sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- For best results, use a heavy skillet like cast iron for searing steak.
- Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth but is optional.
- Adjust seasoning to taste throughout the recipe, especially salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic butter steak bites, cheesy rigatoni, steak with pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy mozzarella pasta, sirloin steak bites, garlic butter sauce
