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
Scale
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.
