Introduction
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is a luxurious yet simple dinner that brings together tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection in garlic butter and served alongside creamy, cheesy pasta shells. It’s the ultimate comfort food — a perfect balance of hearty meat and smooth, velvety pasta. This meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner that feels special without the effort.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1 ½ pounds (680 g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
8 ounces (225 g) small pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for depth
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Steak Bites:
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steak pieces in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your liking.
Transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss until well coated and creamy.
Step 5 – Serve:
Serve the garlic butter steak bites alongside or over the creamy Parmesan shells. Spoon extra garlic butter from the steak pan over the pasta for even more flavor.
Description
This dish is the definition of indulgent comfort food. The Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor — seared perfectly and bathed in rich garlic butter. The Creamy Parmesan Shells complement them beautifully, offering a smooth, cheesy contrast that ties the meal together. Every bite is balanced between the bold, savory steak and the luxurious, silky pasta sauce — perfect for any night you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tips
Use the right cut: Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak works best for tenderness and flavor.
Pat the steak dry: Helps get that perfect sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
Adjust consistency: Add a splash of pasta water or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Rest the steak: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after searing keeps it juicy.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or peas to the pasta for extra nutrition and color.
Variations
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Shells: Swap steak for shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side.
Chicken Version: Use chicken breast cubes for a lighter take.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic butter for an earthy flavor boost.
Herbed Cream Sauce: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the Parmesan shells.
Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic butter for brightness.
Correction (Common Mistakes & How to Fix)
Steak too tough: Overcooked — cook quickly at high heat for the perfect sear.
Greasy texture: Too much butter — reduce slightly or drain excess oil after searing.
Sauce too thin: Simmer longer or add more cheese to thicken.
Sauce too thick: Add milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Over-salted pasta: Use unsalted butter and adjust at the end to balance.
Garlic burned: Add garlic after the butter melts and reduce heat to prevent bitterness.
Enjoy!
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells hot, with every bite bursting with rich, buttery flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in minutes — perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or when you just want something indulgent and satisfying. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies, and enjoy a dish that’s truly comforting and unforgettable.