introduction
This recipe mixes juicy steak bites with creamy, spicy ranch Alfredo and rotini. It cooks fast and fills the kitchen with a rich garlic smell. If you like simple steak pasta meals, try this one. For a different seafood idea, see the crispy lobster bites with garlic butter sauce for another easy garlic-y dinner.
why make this recipe
- It cooks quickly and feeds a family or a few guests.
- You get tender steak and a smooth, spicy Alfredo in one bowl.
- It uses pantry staples and a little fresh parsley for bright flavor.
- The dish balances rich, creamy sauce with bold garlic and steak sear.
how to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Ranch Alfredo Rotini Pasta
Follow clear steps for best results. Work in this order: cook pasta, sear steak, make sauce, mix pasta with sauce, add steak. Keep some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. For extra steak tips and a similar pasta idea, check the garlic butter steak tips with penne guide.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- A drizzle of garlic butter from the steak pan (for garnish)
Directions :
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Pat steak dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, and toss steak until coated and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Whisk in ranch seasoning, cayenne, Parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Add rotini to the sauce and toss until coated. Top with garlic butter steak bites or gently fold them into the pasta.
- Finish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of leftover garlic butter for maximum flavor.
how to serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Ranch Alfredo Rotini Pasta
Serve hot in shallow bowls. Spoon extra garlic butter from the steak pan over each plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan. Offer crushed red pepper at the table for more heat.
how to store Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Ranch Alfredo Rotini Pasta
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not refreeze after reheating.
tips to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Ranch Alfredo Rotini Pasta
- Pat the steak very dry so it sears well and gets a good brown crust.
- Use high heat to sear, then lower heat to finish with butter and garlic.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Taste and adjust cayenne and ranch mix to your heat and salt preference.
- If your steak is thin, cook a bit less time to avoid overcooking.
variation (if any)
- Swap rotini for penne or fettuccine.
- Use chicken cubes instead of steak for a lighter option.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding more mozzarella.
- For a smoky twist, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the steak before searing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes. Sirloin and ribeye work best, but flank or skirt can work if cut against the grain and not overcooked.
Q: Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Add a little more cheese to thicken.
Q: How do I keep the steak tender?
A: Do not overcook. Sear quickly on high heat, then finish in butter over lower heat for just a minute or two.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: You can cook the pasta and steak separately and warm them in the sauce before serving. Do not mix too far ahead to keep texture.
Q: Is ranch seasoning very salty?
A: Some mixes are. Taste the sauce before adding more salt, and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
For a close take on garlic butter steak with Alfredo sauce, you can read a similar recipe at Garlic Butter Steak with Parmesan Alfredo – Bad Batch Baking.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Ranch Alfredo Rotini Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Pat steak dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned.
- Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, and toss steak until coated and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Whisk in ranch seasoning, cayenne, Parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Add rotini to the sauce and toss until coated. Top with garlic butter steak bites or gently fold them into the pasta.
- Finish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of leftover garlic butter for maximum flavor.