James
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells combines tender, juicy steak pieces coated in rich garlic butter with perfectly cooked pasta shells covered in a smooth, creamy Parmesan sauce. Every bite delivers savory flavors, buttery richness, and a comforting texture that makes this dish suitable for family dinners, special occasions, or a satisfying weekend meal.
This recipe serves 4–6 people and creates a restaurant-style meal using simple pantry ingredients.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat steak cubes dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create a beautiful golden crust during cooking.
Place steak cubes into a large bowl.
Add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Mix thoroughly until every piece receives an even coating of seasoning.
Allow steak to rest for about 10 minutes while preparing remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
Fill a large pot with water.
Add a generous amount of salt.
Bring water to a rolling boil.
Add pasta shells and cook according to package directions until tender yet slightly firm.
Drain pasta using a colander.
Reserve about 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Set pasta aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil.
Once hot, place steak cubes into the skillet in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Allow steak pieces to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
Turn each piece and continue cooking until browned on all sides.
Depending on preferred doneness:
- Rare: 3–4 minutes
- Medium: 5–6 minutes
- Well done: 7–8 minutes
Transfer cooked steak onto a plate.
Keep warm.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter for Steak
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return steak bites to the skillet.
Toss thoroughly so every piece becomes coated with garlic butter.
Sprinkle parsley over steak.
Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 5: Prepare the Parmesan Sauce
In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for about 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over butter mixture.
Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly pour milk into the pan while whisking constantly.
Add heavy cream.
Continue stirring until mixture becomes smooth.
Add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
Cook gently for 4–5 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Lower heat.
Gradually add Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously.
Add mozzarella cheese.
Continue stirring until all cheese melts completely.
The sauce should become silky, creamy, and rich.
If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta shells to the Parmesan sauce.
Fold gently until every shell becomes coated.
Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes.
Allow pasta to absorb some sauce while remaining creamy.
Add chopped parsley.
Mix again.
Step 8: Final Assembly
Place a generous amount of creamy Parmesan shells onto serving plates.
Arrange garlic butter steak bites on top or beside pasta.
Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over steak and pasta.
Finish with:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Sautéed green beans
- Roasted carrots
A crisp green salad helps balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Steak
Sirloin works beautifully because it remains tender while staying affordable. Ribeye offers even richer flavor due to higher fat content.
Avoid Overcrowding
Too many steak pieces in the pan at once cause steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches for the best crust.
Fresh Parmesan Matters
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties and provides superior flavor.
Save Pasta Water
Reserved pasta water can loosen sauce while helping it cling to pasta.
Rest the Steak
Allow cooked steak to rest briefly before serving to retain juices.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Place leftovers into a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream.
Stir gently until heated through.
Avoid overheating, which may cause the sauce to separate.
Yield
- 4 to 6 servings
Rich garlic butter steak, tender pasta shells, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce combine to create a hearty meal packed with flavor, comfort, and satisfying texture in every bite. Enjoy while hot for the best taste and creamiest consistency.
