There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, but when you add tender, garlicky steak bites and a bright, zesty Alfredo sauce—you get a dish that’s absolutely unforgettable! This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zesty Lemon Basil Alfredo is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet refreshing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Perfectly Seared Steak – Juicy, tender, and bursting with garlic butter goodness.
✔ Velvety Lemon Basil Alfredo – Classic creamy Alfredo with a citrusy, herby twist.
✔ A Restaurant-Quality Meal in 30 Minutes – Quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
✔ Balanced Flavors – The rich, creamy sauce is beautifully complemented by zesty lemon and aromatic basil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps create a perfect sear.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the steak with irresistible aroma.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
- ½ tsp black pepper – For a little heat and depth.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to complement the steak.
For the Lemon Basil Alfredo Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta – The ideal pasta to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – The base for a silky Alfredo sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because you can never have too much garlic!
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- 1 tsp lemon zest – A touch of brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat.
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped – A fragrant finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Lemon Basil Alfredo
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Season the steak cubes with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, add butter and garlic, and toss the steak bites for another minute until coated in the rich, garlicky butter.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside, keeping the juices in the pan for extra flavor.
3. Make the Lemon Basil Alfredo Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently until it starts to simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until well combined.
- Toss in the fresh basil and mix until everything is beautifully combined.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
What to Serve with This Dish
This rich and creamy meal pairs well with:
🥗 Light Side Salad – A crisp arugula or spinach salad with balsamic dressing.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Because extra garlic butter is always a good idea!
🥂 A Glass of White Wine – Try Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites & Alfredo
✅ Use a hot pan – A high heat sear locks in the steak’s juices and creates a flavorful crust.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook the steak in batches if needed for even browning.
✅ Fresh ingredients make a difference – Fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan take this dish to the next level!
✅ Adjust sauce consistency – If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, thin it with pasta water or a splash of milk.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
🍝 Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
❄️ Freezing (not recommended): The creamy Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well, as it may separate when reheated.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon work beautifully in this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute with dried basil (1 tsp) or try fresh parsley for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
3. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Sautéed or grilled chicken works great with this creamy lemon basil Alfredo sauce.
4. How can I make this lighter?
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for the fettuccine.
- Reduce the amount of butter slightly.
How to Make This Dish in One Pan
Want to cut down on dishes? You can make this entire recipe using just one skillet! Here’s how:
1️⃣ Cook the steak first – Sear it in the skillet, then remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the sauce in the same pan – Use the leftover steak juices to enhance the Alfredo sauce.
3️⃣ Toss the pasta directly in the sauce – If your skillet is large enough, you can mix everything together right in the pan!
This method maximizes flavor while making cleanup a breeze.
Best Pasta Choices for This Recipe
While fettuccine is a classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta types to match your texture preference:
🍝 Tagliatelle – Similar to fettuccine but slightly wider, great for holding creamy sauces.
🌀 Pappardelle – A thicker, heartier pasta that pairs well with steak.
🍲 Penne or Rigatoni – If you prefer a shorter, more textured pasta, these are great alternatives!
🥦 Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A low-carb alternative that soaks up the delicious sauce while adding freshness.
Make It a Complete Meal with These Additions
Want to make this dish even more satisfying? Try adding:
🥓 Crispy Pancetta or Bacon – A salty, crispy contrast to the creamy sauce.
🍄 Sautéed Mushrooms – Add umami richness to the dish.
🌿 Spinach or Arugula – A handful of greens adds freshness and nutrients.
🦐 Garlic Butter Shrimp – A seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the lemony Alfredo.
These small additions can transform your dish into something new every time you make it!
How to Meal Prep This Dish
Yes, you can make this ahead of time! Here’s how to meal prep like a pro:
🥡 For the steak: Cook the steak bites in advance and store them separately in an airtight container. Reheat them briefly in a skillet to maintain juiciness.
🍝 For the pasta & sauce: Cook the pasta slightly underdone, so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated. Store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when serving.
🔥 Reheating tip: When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Turn This into a Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Meal
Want a lighter, keto-friendly version? No problem!
✅ Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
✅ Use heavy cream but reduce the amount of Parmesan to cut back on carbs.
✅ Increase the steak portion and add more low-carb veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
This way, you can enjoy the richness of Alfredo sauce without the extra carbs!
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Pasta Dish!
This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zesty Lemon Basil Alfredo is the perfect mix of indulgent, comforting, and refreshing flavors! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Craving more delicious pasta dishes? Try these next:
🍝 Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo – Creamy with a bold, smoky kick!
🍅 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta – A light, fresh, and vibrant option.
🧄 Creamy Mushroom Garlic Parmesan Pasta – Earthy, rich, and packed with umami flavor.
📌 Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest & Instagram—I’d love to see your creations! 💛✨
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 42g
- Sugar: 3g
Enjoy every creamy, garlicky, and zesty bite of this luxurious yet easy-to-make meal! 🍋🥩✨
