If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, spicy, and irresistibly rich, these Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheddar Rotini bring everything you love to the table. Tender, seared steak tossed in a fiery garlic butter sauce meets creamy, cheesy rotini for the perfect comfort meal. I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I wanted something fast yet restaurant-worthy, and it instantly became a staple. It’s bold, satisfying, and incredibly easy to pull together—ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you want a meal that feels indulgent without hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers the best of both worlds: juicy, flavorful steak bites coated in spicy garlic butter and a creamy cheddar rotini that’s ultra comforting. You’ll love the contrast of textures and flavors—tender seared beef, rich butter sauce, a touch of heat, and cheesy pasta. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and is endlessly customizable depending on your spice level and favorite toppings.
Print
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheddar Rotini – Bold, Buttery & Comforting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheddar Rotini is a bold, comforting skillet meal featuring tender seared steak bites tossed in a spicy garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy cheddar-coated rotini pasta. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- For the Cheddar Rotini:
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until creamy. Add cooked rotini and mix to coat.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then return steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter until fully coated.
- Serve steak bites over a bed of cheddar rotini. Garnish with parsley and extra chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use ribeye for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the cheddar sauce for richer pasta.
- Adjust spice by increasing or decreasing chili flakes.
- Steak bites can also be served with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin or ribeye steak – Lean but tender cuts perfect for searing into juicy bite-sized pieces.
Rotini pasta – Its spirals hold onto every drop of creamy cheddar sauce.
Cheddar cheese – The backbone of the cheesy rotini, giving richness and flavor.
Butter – Creates the luscious garlic butter coating for the steak.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings bold, savory flavor to the steak bites.
Red pepper flakes or chili paste – Adds a spicy kick that complements the rich butter sauce.
Olive oil – Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak.
Heavy cream or milk – Builds the smooth cheddar sauce for the pasta.
Onion powder and paprika – Season the steak bites with warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every component of the dish.
Fresh parsley or green onions – A fresh finishing touch to balance the richness.
Directions
Start by cooking the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm heavy cream or milk. Add shredded cheddar and whisk until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then add the cooked rotini and toss to coat.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Pat the steak pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Add the steak to the hot skillet, searing on each side until browned but still tender—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the steak and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing them in the spicy garlic butter until fully coated.
Serve the steak bites over a generous bed of cheddar rotini. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and an optional drizzle of extra garlic butter.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking 20 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce. The steak can be gently reheated in a covered skillet to prevent drying out. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Version – Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder to the garlic butter.
Creamy Cajun Steak Bites – Use Cajun seasoning and add a splash of cream to the garlic butter.
Four-Cheese Pasta – Blend cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a richer pasta base.
Garlic Herb Style – Add thyme or rosemary to the butter for a fragrant twist.
Vegetable Boost – Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta.
Grilled Steak Option – Grill the steak cubes for a smoky flavor.
Low-Carb Version – Swap rotini for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Bacon Lover’s Variation – Add crispy bacon bits to the cheddar rotini.
Lemon-Garlic Butter – Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Southwest Twist – Season the steak with chili powder and cumin before searing.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, and New York strip all work well for tender, flavorful bites.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, but searing fresh steak gives the best results.
Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Can I use a different cheese for the pasta?
Yes, Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack work well.
What pasta shape works best?
Rotini holds sauce well, but shells or cavatappi also work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead?
The components can be prepped ahead, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Use low heat and whisk continuously until smooth.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely—swap steak for chicken breast or thighs.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement it perfectly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger skillet and baking dish if needed.
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheddar Rotini is the ultimate combination of bold, buttery steak and creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s quick, indulgent, and unforgettable—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you try this flavor-packed dish, it will become a regular in your recipe lineup.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!