Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce

I just finished whipping up these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, and let me tell you, my kitchen smells absolutely heavenly right now.

There is something so comforting about searing tender steak in a cast-iron skillet and then smothering it in a rich, garlicky cream sauce.

It feels like a fancy steakhouse dinner, but honestly, it came together so quickly and easily right here at home. I can’t wait to plate this up over some mashed potatoes and dive in while everything is still piping hot and bubbly.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on bold flavors and fresh ingredients to turn simple steak bites into a decadent meal.

• 2 lbs steak (filet, ribeye, or sirloin) – The star of the show! Filet mignon is the most tender, but ribeye offers incredible marbling and flavor. Sirloin is a great budget-friendly option that still stays juicy if not overcooked.
• 4-5 tbsp avocado oil – This oil has a high smoke point, which is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown sear on the steak without burning the oil.
• 5 tbsp butter, divided – We use butter at different stages to build layers of flavor, sautéing the garlic and finishing the steak for a rich, velvety texture.
• 10 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic! Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic backbone for both the steak bites and the cream sauce.
• 1.5 cups heavy cream – This creates the luxurious, thick base for the parmesan sauce. Avoid using half-and-half if you want that truly rich consistency.
• 2 green onions, diced – These add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Use both green and white parts.
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes – A little heat balances the creamy sauce perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded bagged cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Blackened Seasoning (2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cayenne, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano) – This homemade blend gives the steak a spicy, savory crust that stands up well to the rich sauce.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Variations

Customizing this dish is easy depending on your dietary needs or what you have in your pantry.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a high-quality plant-based butter and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative for the sauce. Omit the parmesan or use a vegan nutritional yeast substitute.
• Reduce the Heat: If you or your family prefer milder flavors, reduce the cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning and omit the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make excellent additions to the cream sauce, adding nutrition and earthy flavors that pair well with steak.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have green onions, fresh parsley or chives work beautifully as a garnish and flavor enhancer.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for retaining high heat to get a crusty sear on the steak while keeping the inside juicy.
• Chef’s Knife: For cutting the steak into even, bite-sized cubes and chopping vegetables.
• Whisk: To smoothly incorporate the heavy cream and cheese into the sauce without lumps.
• Tongs: For flipping individual steak bites to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce?

This recipe moves fast once you start cooking, so having your ingredients prepped is key. We start by building flavor on the steak itself, then use the same pan to create a sauce that picks up all those delicious drippings.

Season and Prep the Steak

Begin by cutting your chosen cut of steak into uniform 2-to-3-inch cubes. Uniformity helps them cook at the same rate. Rub the steak pieces evenly with avocado oil, then toss them generously in the homemade blackened seasoning until every side is coated. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes; taking the chill off the meat helps it cook more evenly and stays tender.

Sear the Steak Bites

Heat your avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Carefully place the steak bites in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them—cook in batches if necessary so they sear rather than steam. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice golden crust, then flip and cook for another minute. Lower the heat, add butter and garlic to the pan, and toss the steak in this aromatic mixture for a final minute before removing the meat to a bowl.

Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the remaining butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it starts to reduce and thicken. Stir in the red pepper flakes, green onions, and finally the parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Spoon this luscious sauce over your steak bites and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve learned a few tricks after making this dish several times that really elevate the final result.

• I always grate my own block of parmesan cheese right before cooking. The pre-shredded stuff has a waxy coating that prevents it from melting into that silky smooth texture we want for the sauce.
• Make sure your skillet is properly hot before the steak touches it. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the meat will release juices and boil in its own liquid instead of developing that delicious, caramelized crust.
• Resting the meat is just as important for bites as it is for a whole steak. I lightly tent the bowl of cooked steak with foil while I make the sauce; this keeps it warm and lets the juices redistribute so every bite is moist.
• If you find the sauce gets too thick while it sits, just splash in a little extra heavy cream or even a tablespoon of warm water to loosen it back up to the perfect pouring consistency.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce?

This dish is rich and decadent, so it pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the sauce or cut through the richness.

• Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes (as recommended in the recipe) or buttery egg noodles to catch every drop of the parmesan sauce.
• Low Carb: Ladle the steak and sauce over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal that feels indulgent.
• Greens: A side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or crisp green beans adds a fresh crunch and bright color to the plate.
• Garnish: Finish the plate with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chopped chives for a professional-looking presentation.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 48g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best to store the sauce separately from the steak if possible, but keeping them together works fine too.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked steak bites for up to 3 months, but I do not recommend freezing the cream sauce as the dairy tends to separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s better to make the sauce fresh.

Reheating: Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over low heat just until warm to prevent overcooking. The sauce can be reheated on the stove on low heat; add a splash of milk or cream while whisking to bring the texture back to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a regular in my dinner rotation.

• Restaurant Quality at Home: It delivers big, bold flavors that taste like a $50 meal from a high-end steakhouse, but you can make it in your pajamas.
• Incredibly Fast: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without hours of effort.
• Versatile Protein: Whether you splurge on filet mignon or stick to sirloin, the garlic butter and cream sauce make any cut of beef taste spectacular.
• Sauce of Your Dreams: The parmesan cream sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything—chicken, vegetables, or just eat it with a spoon!