Mediterranean Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in a rich, savory, and creamy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive date night dish. Tender, garlicky steak bites are seared to perfection and paired with a luscious, herby Parmesan pasta—bringing together bold flavors and comforting textures. The touch of sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs elevates this dish to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for topping)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Mediterranean Creamy Pasta:
10 oz pasta shells or orecchiette
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional, for Mediterranean flavor)
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Steak Bites:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak cubes with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference.
Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic, and toss for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Prepare the Creamy Pasta:
In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in heavy cream, let it simmer, then stir in Parmesan and feta cheese.
Toss in cooked pasta, mix well, and adjust seasoning.
Serve & Garnish:
Plate the pasta and top with steak bites.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Choose High-Quality Steak – Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin work best for juicy, flavorful bites. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even searing.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Sear the steak bites in batches if necessary to ensure a nice crust forms.
Use Fresh Garlic & Herbs – Fresh garlic, basil, and parsley enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the pasta sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more olive oil.
Make it Lighter – Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-calorie alternative.
Add a Crunch – Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Pair It Right – Serve with roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or garlic pita bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
(Based on 4 servings per recipe)
Calories: ~620
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fiber: ~4g
Fat: ~32g
Saturated Fat: ~12g
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~700mg