Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Sauce

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Bite-sized steak pieces are quickly seared to lock in juiciness, then tossed with fragrant garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley in buttery goodness. A separate skillet delivers a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, infused with more garlic and Italian seasoning, until smooth and luscious. Simply serve the steak bites coated in the buttery herb mixture, either drizzled with, or alongside, the warm Parmesan sauce. Garnish with parsley for freshness. This hearty dish packs robust flavor and comfort in each bite, making it perfect for a cozy dinner in about thirty minutes.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 21:27:05 GMT
A plate of meat covered in sauce. Save
A plate of meat covered in sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce are my go to when I want a restaurant style meal fast. The juicy steak glazed in buttery herbs and served with a silky Parmesan sauce brings everyone to the table in minutes.

When I first whipped these up for my family everyone wanted to dunk everything in the Parmesan sauce. It was an instant regular in our rotation.

Ingredients

  • Sirloin steak cubes: bring tenderness and robust flavor choose well marbled pieces for extra juiciness
  • Salt and black pepper: for simple seasoning always use freshly ground pepper for a touch of heat
  • Olive oil: helps the meat sear beautifully go for extra virgin if you can
  • Unsalted butter: layers in richness letting you control the saltiness
  • Fresh garlic: adds punchiness always mince it right before using for the best flavor
  • Fresh thyme rosemary and parsley: bring brightness and fresh earthiness
  • Heavy cream: forms the base of the sauce use real heavy cream for a restaurant worthy finish
  • Parmesan cheese: creates deep nutty flavor grate it yourself for the creamiest melt
  • Italian seasoning: dries herbs for depth and aromatic layers

Tips for Ingredients

  • Pick heavy cream with no additives for a silkier sauce
  • For steak look for a good marbling pattern and bright red color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Steak:
Sprinkle steak cubes evenly with salt and black pepper making sure every side is covered. Press gently so seasoning clings to the meat.
Sear the Steak:
Heat a large skillet over medium high and add olive oil with half of the butter portion. Once butter melts and foams add steak in a single layer with space between cubes. Let them cook undisturbed for three to four minutes until you see a golden crust forming. Turn each piece to brown all sides and cook until you reach your preferred level of doneness. Move steak to a plate and keep warm.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
In the same skillet with any drippings left add the rest of the butter. Toss in minced garlic thyme rosemary and parsley. Sauté everything over medium low stirring constantly for about one minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned.
Glaze the Steak Bites:
Return the cooked steak bites to the pan. Stir so each piece picks up that garlic herb butter. Let them warm through for a couple of minutes gently tossing so nothing burns.
Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
In a separate saucepan melt another knob of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant about sixty seconds stirring to keep it from burning. Pour in heavy cream and stir as it gently simmers. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs whisk until the cheese melts smoothly and the sauce thickens slightly which takes two to three minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and Serve:
Either pour the warm Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites in your skillet or serve it in a bowl for dipping. Finish with extra parsley if you like and serve piping hot.
A plate of meat covered in sauce. Save
A plate of meat covered in sauce. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite part is always the herb butter since it reminds me of my grandmother quietly clipping thyme from the garden just for steak night. Every time I sizzle garlic in bubbling butter I am right back in her sunny kitchen.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth and the steak juicy. Avoid microwaving too long or the steak can toughen up.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • If sirloin is unavailable try ribeye or strip steak for similar tenderness.
  • Half and half can be used for a lighter sauce though it will not be as silky.
  • Dried herbs can replace fresh if needed just use half the amount.
A plate of meat with sauce. Save
A plate of meat with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Crisp roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans make perfect sides. This dish also shines spooned over buttery noodles or tucked into a crusty roll for a decadent steak sandwich.

A Touch of History

Creamy steak sauces have roots in classic French bistro fare but this speedy weeknight twist borrows Italian Parmesan richness. Garlic butter steak is timeless and this sauce brings a cozy restaurant vibe right to your home table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure the steak bites stay tender?

Cut steak into even cubes and sear quickly over high heat to keep them juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best browning.

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, ribeye or strip steak also work well. Choose well-marbled cuts for extra tenderness and flavor.

→ How thick should the Parmesan cream sauce be?

The sauce should be creamy and smooth, thick enough to coat the steak bites but still pourable. Simmer gently to achieve this texture.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead. Gently rewarm and whisk before serving for best results.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce and complement the steak.

Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Cream

Tender steak bites in garlic butter with silky Parmesan cream sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (Approximately 4 servings)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Steak Bites

Ingredient 01 680g sirloin steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes
Ingredient 02 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 03 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 04 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 05 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Ingredient 06 6 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Ingredient 09 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Parmesan Cream Sauce

Ingredient 10 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Ingredient 11 3 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 12 240ml heavy cream
Ingredient 13 50g grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 14 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ingredient 15 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 16 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Pat the steak cubes dry and season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Instruction 02

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides until desired doneness is reached. Remove steak bites from the skillet and set aside.

Instruction 03

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring, until aromatic.

Instruction 04

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to evenly coat in the garlic herb butter. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, then remove from heat and set aside.

Instruction 05

In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Instruction 06

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Instruction 07

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.

Instruction 08

Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the steak bites in the skillet or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Additional Tips

  1. For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly picked herbs.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk and milk products.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fat Content: 41 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 5 grams
  • Protein Content: 40 grams