Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini

A Cozy Winter Delight Inspired by Italian Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about the sizzle of steak hitting a hot pan and the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the kitchen. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini recipe brings two of my favorite things together tender, juicy steak bites and rich, cheesy tortellini smothered in a velvety Alfredo sauce.

Growing up in an Italian-American household, my grandmother taught me how to create love on a plate with simple, quality ingredients. This recipe was born from one of our family’s “Sunday fridge raids” where leftovers became masterpieces. She’d sear up leftover steak, toss it with fresh pasta, and always, always finish with butter and garlic. This version takes that idea to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and impressive: Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
• Comfort food magic: Rich flavors without a lot of fuss.
• Customizable: Use any cut of steak or swap tortellini with gnocchi or fettuccine.
• One-pan friendly: Easy cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Alfredo Tortellini:

• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

Prep the Steak

1. Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear.
2. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the Steak

1. Heat 1 tbsp of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add steak in a single layer and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Add 1 tbsp of butter and half the minced garlic. Stir quickly to coat the steak.
4. Remove from pan and set aside.

Boil the Tortellini

1. In a large pot, cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
2. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the steak, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add remaining garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Pour in the cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
5. Add a pinch of nutmeg, season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss in the cooked tortellini and a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Combine and Serve

1. Gently fold in the steak bites.
2. Garnish with parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
3. Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

Tips & Substitutions

• Steak cut: Ribeye gives the most flavor, but sirloin is leaner and still delicious.
• Cheese: Try pecorino or asiago for a twist on the Alfredo.
• Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach work beautifully here.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.

Storage & Reheating

This dish keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture.

Perfect Pairings

• Drink: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti.
• Side: Garlic bread or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Dessert: Classic tiramisu or chocolate mousse.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini is a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and that wonderful restaurant-level flavor all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, it’s sure to steal the spotlight.