There are some dinners that just feel indulgent without being complicated, and garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan shells are at the top of that list for me. It’s a combination that feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but it comes together in one pan and a pot of pasta. Juicy, tender steak bites seared in garlicky butter, paired with rich and cheesy pasta shells — it’s pure comfort on a plate.
This dish is my go-to when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something special without a ton of effort. Let me show you why this recipe works so well and how easy it is to make at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan shells recipe is all about simplicity meeting bold flavor. Here’s why it’s one of my favorites:
- Quick-cooking steak bites: Perfectly seared and tender in just minutes.
- Rich garlic butter sauce: Infuses the steak with flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Creamy Parmesan shells: The pasta is cheesy, silky, and pairs beautifully with the steak.
- Perfect balance: A rich main dish with a comforting side that complements every bite.
- Great for weeknights or special occasions: Fancy enough to impress, easy enough for everyday cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How I Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
I start by cooking the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. I reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I season the steak bites generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches for about 2 minutes per side. Once browned and cooked to my liking, I remove the steak and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, I melt the butter and add the minced garlic. I cook for about 30 seconds, scraping up all those flavorful bits from the pan. I return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter until coated.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Shells
In a separate saucepan, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. I pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. I season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, then toss in the cooked pasta shells, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Plate and Serve
I spoon the creamy shells onto plates, top with garlic butter steak bites, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Steak Bites and Creamy Shells
- Use a hot skillet: The key to caramelized steak bites is a hot pan and not overcrowding.
- Let the steak rest: Even just a few minutes off the heat keeps the bites juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-grated cheese.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s magic for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A little acidity brightens the richness of the dish.
What I Serve with This Meal
This dish is indulgent on its own, but I like to pair it with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Absolutely! Sirloin is my favorite, but ribeye or New York strip also work beautifully.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Steak bites are best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance, reheating gently and adding pasta water if needed.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but heavy cream makes the sauce silkier.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
Why This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Parmesan Shells Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
This recipe brings together bold, savory flavors in a dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough for any night of the week. It’s one of those meals that always gets compliments and feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this flavorful duo will never let you down.
I hope you give it a try — and when you do, don’t forget to savor that buttery sauce.
My Go-To Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Parmesan Shells Recipe for Easy Elegance
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups pasta water
- 1 pound steak (e.g., sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta shells
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the steak bites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet, add the cooked pasta shells, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
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