Name: One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced (for steak); 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 12 oz egg noodles or fettuccine; 3 tbsp butter (for noodles); 3 cloves garlic, minced (for noodles); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed); Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, Extra Parmesan

A hearty, flavor-packed dinner made in just one pan, this One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe delivers serious comfort food vibes without the mess. Tender, juicy steak bites meet creamy, garlicky noodles loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella for a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines two of my favorite things—steak and cheesy pasta—into one easy meal. It’s made in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. The steak bites sear quickly and soak up rich flavors, while the noodles get tossed in a buttery, garlicky, cheesy sauce that’s pure comfort. Whether I’m feeding family or just treating myself, this meal hits the spot every single time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak Bites:

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles:

12 oz egg noodles or fettuccine

3 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley

Extra Parmesan

Directions

Cook the Noodles:

I start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Then I cook the noodles until they’re al dente. I make sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining and setting the noodles aside.

Sear the Steak Bites:

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I season the steak pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I sear them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and just tender. Then I add butter and garlic, toss everything to coat the steak, and remove it all from the skillet to rest.

Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce:

Using the same skillet (because why dirty more dishes?), I melt the butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Then I stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy. I season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If it gets too thick, I add a little reserved pasta water.

Combine Everything:

Next, I toss the cooked noodles into the cheesy sauce, making sure they’re well coated. I gently add the steak bites back into the skillet and stir everything together.

Serve:

I plate it hot and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per Serving: 880 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the sirloin for chicken or shrimp for a different protein twist.

If I’m in the mood for more veggies, I toss in spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the noodles.

For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and cut back a bit on the cheese.

To make it spicier, I add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce before microwaving or warming it on the stove over low heat. I stir often to keep everything creamy and avoid drying out the steak.

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FAQs

How can I keep the steak bites tender?

I make sure not to overcook them—just 2–3 minutes per side is usually enough. Letting them rest after searing helps keep them juicy, too.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I like to use egg noodles or fettuccine, but penne or spaghetti also work well in this dish.

What kind of steak works best?

I go with sirloin or ribeye because they’re tender and flavorful, but NY strip or filet would be great if I want to splurge.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best fresh, but I’ve prepped the sauce and steak ahead and stored them separately. Then I cook the noodles fresh and combine everything when it’s time to serve.

How do I know when the sauce is the right consistency?

I look for a thick, creamy texture that clings to the noodles. If it gets too thick, I stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles recipe has become a go-to when I need something easy but seriously satisfying. It brings rich flavor, cheesy comfort, and juicy steak together in one skillet—perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing family meal. I love that it’s quick, delicious, and leaves almost no dishes behind.

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