Juicy, pan-seared steak bites drenched in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce—this Tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort in every bite. It’s rich, savory, and comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just indulging midweek, this is a dish that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Directions
I start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat the olive oil. Once it’s hot, I add the steak cubes in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes. Then I flip them and cook for another 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked to my liking. I remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. I add the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then I stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, whisking everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
I return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and stir them through the sauce, letting everything simmer together for another 1–2 minutes.
To finish, I sprinkle in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if I want some heat), then serve it hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 420 kcal
Variations
Swap the protein: I sometimes use chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter variation.
Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make a great addition to the sauce.
Go dairy-free: I’ve tried this with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-friendly twist.
Spice it up: A dash of cayenne or a spoonful of Dijon mustard adds a nice punch.
Make it keto: I skip the pasta or rice and serve it over cauliflower mash or steamed greens.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use a skillet over low heat to gently warm the steak and sauce without drying them out. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it. I avoid microwaving it too long to keep the steak tender.
FAQs
How do I keep the steak bites tender?
I make sure not to overcook the steak. A quick sear on high heat keeps them juicy inside. Letting the meat rest for a few minutes before tossing it back into the sauce also helps retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes cook the steak and make the sauce ahead, but I store them separately. I combine and reheat them just before serving to keep the texture perfect.
What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice work beautifully. I also like pairing it with roasted broccoli or asparagus for a lighter option.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely. I’ve made this with New York strip and even filet mignon. Any tender cut that cooks quickly will work.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
If I want the sauce thicker, I let it simmer a bit longer or add a little more cream cheese or Parmesan. It thickens as it cooks and cools.
Conclusion
This Tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Creamy Parmesan Sauce recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s easy, fast, and full of rich flavor that feels like a treat every time I make it. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving friends, this dish always gets rave reviews. I love that it’s versatile enough to pair with just about anything and indulgent enough to satisfy any craving.
📖 Recipe:
Tender Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy, pan-seared steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and comforting one-pan dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, offering bold flavor and a creamy finish.
Ingredients
1½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Use a tender cut of steak like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for best results.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak bites—cook in batches if needed.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately or reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Great served with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
