If you have a hankering for something rich, satisfying, and endlessly flavorful, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and perfectly paired with tender shell pasta bathed in a dreamy, creamy Parmesan sauce. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful harmony of bold seasoning, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs—all coming together for a truly indulgent yet approachable meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to unlocking the full potential of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing a pop of flavor, creamy texture, or inviting color to your plate.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender steak bites that soak up all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides the ideal base for searing your steak and sautéing garlic without overpowering flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that is absolutely essential to this dish’s signature taste.
- 4 tbsp butter: Contributes richness and helps create the silky garlic butter sauce that coats the steak.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Infuses a fresh herbaceous note that balances the butter and garlic perfectly.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smokiness and vibrant color that enhances the steak’s savory profile.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Elevates every element by enhancing natural flavors without overwhelming them.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Offers a mild heat that complements the richness of the dish.
- 8 oz shell pasta: Perfectly shaped pasta that catches and holds the creamy sauce in every nook.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used again for cooking pasta sides or to keep it from sticking.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce, delivering indulgence with every swirl.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that thickens and enriches the sauce wonderfully.
- 2 tbsp butter: Additional butter to deepen the cream sauce’s luxurious mouthfeel.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the garlic flavor, mixing beautifully into the pasta sauce.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Fine-tunes the seasoning of the sauce to perfection.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper: Provides just the right touch of spice in the creamy pasta.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Offers a fresh, bright finish that elevates presentation and taste.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shell Pasta
Start by boiling your shell pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s going to be the secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on. Set the pasta aside while you move on to the star of the show: the steak bites.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the cubed sirloin steak and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear the cubes for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally to get a perfect browned crust on all sides while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. Toss in the fresh thyme leaves at this stage, stirring them into the butter to release their aromatic, earthy flavor. This step forms the soulful backbone that ties the steak and pasta together.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Shell Pasta Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked shell pasta into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to ensure each shell is luxuriously coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s a little trick: if your sauce feels too thick, gently stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you hit just the right, silky consistency that clings beautifully to every bite.
Step 5: Combine Steak Bites and Pasta
Now, it’s time to bring it all home. Add the seared steak bites back into the skillet and fold them gently into the creamy pasta sauce. This allows the flavors to mingle and the warmth of the pasta to finish off the steak bites perfectly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 6: Plate and Enjoy
Serve these sumptuous steak bites and shell pasta straight from the skillet or arrange them artfully on plates. The combination of rich garlic butter steak bites with creamy shell pasta will wow everyone around your table, delivering comfort and elegance in every forkful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also gives a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish. For an extra flair, consider a light sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan or a few cracked black peppercorns on top just before serving. This elevates each bite with texture and an extra savory punch.
Side Dishes
Pair this flavorful main with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed asparagus, green beans, or a medley of seasonal vegetables also make fantastic companions. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, you can serve this dish family-style in a beautiful cast iron skillet right on the table for a rustic vibe. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls to highlight the pasta shells cradling the steak bites in their creamy sauce. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few edible flowers can turn this comforting dish into a centerpiece-worthy creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and texture. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools, so a quick stir before reheating is essential to bring it back to life.
Freezing
While the creamy texture can change slightly after freezing, you can still freeze your leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the steak. Adding a little cream, milk, or broth can help refresh the sauce and maintain a luscious consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery and dry out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak cut into cubes. Just adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness and thickness.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream and butter?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead. The flavor profile may vary slightly, but it still results in a delicious sauce.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while searing the steak or mix a dash of hot sauce into the cream sauce for an extra kick that complements the smoky paprika.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the steak and mince the garlic in advance to save time. Cooking the pasta ahead is also an option, just keep it lightly oiled to prevent sticking before assembly.
What type of pasta works best if I don’t have shell pasta?
Any short pasta that holds sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle, will work wonderfully if shell pasta isn’t available in your pantry.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe is destined to become one of your go-to comfort dishes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion but is simple enough to whip up any weeknight. Share it with friends or family and savor the indulgent, garlicky goodness that’s all about warm flavors, tender bites, and creamy pasta hugs. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved in kitchens far and wide.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta is a delicious, hearty dish combining tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection and tossed with creamy garlic butter shell pasta. This flavorful recipe features aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Shell Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
- Cook the steak bites: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed sirloin steak, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear the steak cubes for approximately 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked to preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and thyme: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to release their aroma.
- Prepare the creamy sauce and pasta: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Combine steak and pasta: Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Plate the garlic butter steak bites with shell pasta and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for even searing of steak bites.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Adjust garlic amounts based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or flank steak depending on your budget and taste.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a richer flavor.
