Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:; 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; For the Creamy Alfredo Pasta:; 1 lb pasta twists (rotini or fusilli); 6 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup milk (if needed to thin sauce)

If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent dinner that satisfies on every level, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta recipe hits all the right notes. Juicy, pan-seared steak bites are tossed in garlicky butter and Cajun spices, then served over a bed of tender rotini drenched in silky, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend splurge.

This dish is the kind of meal that feels like something you’d order at a steakhouse, but you can make it at home in under 45 minutes. With minimal prep and big payoff, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines bold Cajun-seasoned steak with creamy Alfredo for an irresistible pairing
Simple ingredients with big, restaurant-style flavor
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Easy to scale up for meal prep or dinner parties
A complete one-pan protein + carb combo—no sides needed

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want to treat yourself, this steak and pasta combo delivers the perfect balance of richness and spice.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sirloin Steak
Lean but tender, sirloin holds its shape and sears beautifully without drying out. Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking.

Cajun Seasoning + Smoked Paprika
These spices add a smoky, spicy backbone to the steak without overpowering the creamy pasta base.

Butter & Garlic
Melted butter and freshly minced garlic make the steak bites luxurious and aromatic.

For the Alfredo Pasta

Pasta Twists (Rotini or Fusilli)
Their spiral shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly, giving every bite a rich, cheesy coating.

Heavy Cream + Butter + Cheese
The holy trinity of Alfredo sauce—creamy, melty, and decadent. Parmesan brings saltiness, mozzarella adds stretch and silkiness.

Garlic & Seasoning
A touch of garlic in the sauce enhances depth, while salt and pepper round it all out.

Ingredients List

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

Creamy Alfredo Pasta

1 lb pasta twists (rotini or fusilli)
6 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup milk (if needed to thin sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return steak to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter until coated. Remove from heat and set aside, covered.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a separate large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Reduce heat and add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Add milk as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Add cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until fully coated.
Plate pasta and top with steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Pat steak dry before searing – Moisture prevents browning. Dry steak = more flavorful crust.
Don’t crowd the pan – Cook steak in batches to get that golden sear without steaming.
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts more smoothly and gives the Alfredo its signature texture.
Thin the sauce gradually – Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the Alfredo reaches your desired creaminess.
Reserve pasta water – A splash of starchy pasta water can help bind the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and savory dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette
Add roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach on the side for a veggie boost
Warm garlic bread or soft rolls are perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce
For a special occasion, pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon

Creative Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Here are five flavorful ways to remix this dish:

Spicy Steak Alfredo
Add red pepper flakes to both the steak seasoning and Alfredo sauce for extra heat.
Surf & Turf
Top the pasta with garlic butter shrimp in addition to the steak for a luxurious upgrade.
Mushroom Lovers Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the steak or stir into the Alfredo for earthy depth.
Low-Carb Swap
Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi instead of pasta to make it keto-friendly.
Tex-Mex Twist
Swap Cajun for taco seasoning, then stir in fire-roasted corn and black beans into the Alfredo for a southwestern spin.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To Store:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Reheat pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between to avoid drying.
Steak reheats best in a skillet or air fryer to maintain texture.

Freezing?
Not recommended for this one—the Alfredo sauce may separate. But steak bites alone freeze well!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is ideal—it’s tender, budget-friendly, and cooks quickly. Ribeye or NY strip also work if you’re feeling fancy.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the Alfredo sauce and sear the steak ahead of time. Reheat separately and combine just before serving.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives the best flavor and texture. If using a jar, elevate it with fresh garlic and a splash of cream.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Rotini, fusilli, or penne work well because they grip the sauce. Fettucine or tagliatelle are great if you prefer flat noodles.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
It’s mild to medium. For less heat, reduce or skip the Cajun blend and use Italian seasoning instead.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta dish is everything you want in a comforting dinner—rich, flavorful, and loaded with texture. From the tender seared steak to the creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every bite of pasta, it’s a full-flavored experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Make it on a Friday night to kick off the weekend, or serve it when you want to impress someone without a complicated recipe. Either way, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite pasta dinner.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Pasta

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy Cajun-spiced steak bites seared in garlic butter and served over creamy Alfredo pasta. A comforting, restaurant-style dinner made in under 45 minutes.

Instructions

Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches, 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Return steak to skillet and toss in garlic butter. Remove from heat.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to simmer. Lower heat and add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper. Thin with milk if needed.
Toss pasta in Alfredo sauce until coated.
Serve pasta topped with steak bites and garnish as desired.