Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When juicy, tender steak bites meet a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta, you get the ultimate comfort food combination. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is a hearty, indulgent dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests. The steak is seared to perfection in garlic butter, while the pasta shells soak up a velvety Parmesan sauce that ties everything together.
What I love most about this dish is how balanced it feels—the savory seared steak contrasts beautifully with the cheesy creaminess of the pasta. I once tried adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, and it gave the shells a subtle tang that elevated the whole dish. Whether you’re cooking for two or for the whole family, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter and served alongside creamy, cheesy pasta shells. It’s the ultimate steakhouse-inspired meal made right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter (for pasta)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, season steak cubes with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in batches and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Return steak bites to skillet and toss in garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta shells in the creamy Parmesan sauce until coated.
- Serve steak bites alongside creamy shells, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the cheese sauce.
- Use ribeye or New York strip for a more indulgent steak bite experience.
- Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak)
Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Butter
Melted butter creates the base for the garlic sauce and adds richness.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic flavors the steak and adds depth to the dish.
Olive oil
Helps sear the steak evenly and prevents the butter from burning.
Salt and black pepper
Seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak.
Pasta shells
Their shape holds onto the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream
Forms the base of the Parmesan sauce, making it rich and smooth.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory flavor.
Chicken or beef broth
Adds depth to the sauce and helps thin it to the perfect consistency.
Parsley
Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes for a lovely garnish.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
For a subtle spicy kick.
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat slightly, then add the remaining butter and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Pour in broth and heavy cream, stirring until combined. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss the cooked shells in the Parmesan sauce until well coated. Return the steak bites to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Equipment needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as reheated steak can lose some tenderness.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Parmesan Shells
Add sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for extra umami.
Spinach and Steak Pasta
Stir fresh spinach into the sauce just before serving for a veggie boost.
Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Season the steak with Cajun spice for a smoky, spicy twist.
Truffle Parmesan Shells
Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the sauce for a luxurious flavor.
Blue Cheese Version
Replace some Parmesan with blue cheese for a bold, tangy variation.
Surf and Turf Twist
Add shrimp or scallops alongside the steak bites for a restaurant-style dish.
Lighter Option
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free pasta shells.
Herb Upgrade
Add thyme or rosemary to the butter for extra aroma.
Bacon Lovers’ Version
Crumble crispy bacon over the top before serving.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip are great options for tender, flavorful bites.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
It makes the sauce rich, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
Can I make this in advance?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and cook just before serving.
Can I air fry the steak bites?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, tossing halfway through.
How do I prevent overcooking the steak?
Cook in small batches over high heat for quick searing without drying out.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth and brightness.
What sides go best with this dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Use gentle heat when adding cream and whisk continuously.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended, as cream sauces and seared steak don’t freeze well.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of meal that delivers comfort and luxury in one bite. The garlicky, buttery steak is irresistible on its own, but paired with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta, it becomes a complete, indulgent dish. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight treat or for entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress every time.
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