One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

When you want a dinner that feels indulgent but still comes together fast, One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles is the kind of recipe that saves the day. Juicy, perfectly seared steak bites meet creamy, cheesy noodles coated in a rich garlic butter sauce—all made in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This is the ultimate comfort meal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan magic: Big flavor with easy cleanup.
• Restaurant-style at home: Creamy, cheesy noodles with tender steak bites.
• Quick and filling: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Family-approved comfort food: Rich, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 lb): Tender, juicy cuts that cook quickly and stay flavorful.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve a nice sear on the steak.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and enhances browning.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the steak with bold aroma and flavor.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp): Boosts savory flavor.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak properly.

For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

• Egg noodles or fettuccine (12 oz): Soft, hearty noodles that hold the sauce well.
• Butter (3 tbsp): Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a rich, silky texture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds sharp, salty depth.
• Shredded mozzarella (½ cup): Makes the sauce extra creamy and stretchy.
• Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds gentle heat.
• Reserved pasta water (½ cup, as needed): Loosens the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Salt & black pepper: To taste.

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color.
• Extra Parmesan: For extra cheesy goodness.

How to Make One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add steak to the hot skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned and tender. Add butter and garlic, toss to coat the steak, then remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently mix everything together so the flavors meld.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Success

• Let the steak sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even searing.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking steak—work in batches if needed.
• Keep the heat moderate when adding cheese to prevent grainy sauce.
• Use pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Tongs or spatula

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Chicken Swap: Replace steak with chicken breast or thighs.
• Low-Carb Twist: Serve the steak bites over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

This steak bites and cheesy garlic noodles dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. Garlic bread on the side makes it even more indulgent.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they stay tender and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir continuously.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe is pure comfort food bliss—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want something that feels extra satisfying without extra effort. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share how it turned out.

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