Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic butter steak tips with cheesy shells in cheddar sauce is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal. Juicy steak bites seared to perfection in garlic butter pair beautifully with tender pasta shells smothered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is rich, filling, and perfect for nights when you crave a restaurant-quality dinner at home. The first time I made it, I swapped regular cheddar with sharp white cheddar, and the extra tang really elevated the sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels luxurious without requiring complicated techniques. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for two or a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will love.
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy garlic butter steak tips paired with tender pasta shells coated in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, making a rich and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak tips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic to skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss steak tips back into skillet and coat with garlic butter. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until sauce thickens, 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and mustard powder (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Toss cooked pasta shells with cheese sauce.
- Serve garlic butter steak tips over cheesy shells and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate steak tips in soy sauce, Worcestershire, and olive oil before cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Can substitute ribeye or strip steak for more tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Each component plays a vital role in creating this indulgent dish, balancing savory steak with creamy pasta.
Steak tips – Tender and juicy, these provide the main protein and are best cooked quickly over high heat for a flavorful sear.
Butter – Used to sear the steak and create the rich garlic butter sauce.
Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the steak and butter.
Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden crust on the steak while preventing the butter from burning.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak and pasta.
Pasta shells – Their shape holds the cheddar sauce beautifully, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
Cheddar cheese – The star of the cheese sauce, delivering bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with steak.
Milk – Forms the base of the sauce, keeping it creamy and smooth.
Heavy cream – Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Flour – Used to make a roux, thickening the cheddar sauce for the pasta.
Onion powder – Adds subtle savory depth to the cheese sauce.
Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds color.
Directions
Begin by preparing the pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in batches, allowing each side to caramelize for about 2–3 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then return the steak tips to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter.
For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Toss the cooked pasta shells with the cheddar sauce until fully coated. Serve the garlic butter steak tips over or alongside the cheesy shells. Garnish with fresh parsley for a finishing touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, and the full dish is ready in around 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce. The steak should be warmed briefly to avoid overcooking. Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce can separate.
Variations and Customizations
Sharp cheddar upgrade – Use extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder, tangier sauce.
Smoky twist – Add smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for depth of flavor.
Creamy mushroom addition – Sauté mushrooms in the garlic butter along with the steak for extra richness.
Spicy kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
Steak and blue cheese – Swap cheddar with a blend of cheddar and blue cheese for a gourmet flavor.
Greens boost – Stir spinach or kale into the cheese shells for added nutrition.
One-pan option – Cook the steak and pasta together in a large skillet, finishing with the cheese sauce for a simplified approach.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for steak tips?
Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for tenderness and flavor.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Do I need to use heavy cream in the sauce?
Heavy cream makes it richer, but you can substitute with half-and-half or just milk.
How do I keep steak tips tender?
Avoid overcooking; sear quickly over high heat and rest before serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or macaroni work well, but shells hold the sauce best.
What type of cheddar is best?
Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the strongest flavor, but mild cheddar works if you prefer subtlety.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese sauce or garlic butter.
Is it possible to use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, diced chicken breast or thighs make a great substitute.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Add cheese gradually to the warm sauce and stir until melted smoothly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this dish scales easily for larger servings—just ensure you have a large enough skillet and saucepan.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak tips with cheesy shells in cheddar sauce is a rich, indulgent meal that combines two comfort food favorites into one unforgettable dish. The tender, garlicky steak tips pair perfectly with creamy cheddar pasta, making this recipe ideal for when you want something both satisfying and a little bit luxurious. With plenty of room for customizations, you can keep it classic or experiment with bold flavors to suit your taste. Once you try this dish, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation—proof that comfort food can be both simple and impressive.
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