Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a quick, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing meal, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni is the perfect choice. Tender, juicy steak bites coated in garlic butter are paired with rich, cheesy rigatoni, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 pound (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

For the Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 8 ounces (225g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or additional cheese

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and mix until well coated.

Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and herbs.
4. Toss steak bites in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes until coated and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Serve the steak bites on a plate alongside or on top of the creamy cheesy rigatoni.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired.
3. Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Use a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the steak bites without overcooking.
• Stir the pasta constantly while making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps.
• Customize with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms added to the rigatoni for extra flavor and nutrition.

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any dinner occasion, bringing the taste of a gourmet meal right to your home kitchen.