Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe combines juicy, tender steak bites seared to perfection and tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with velvety parmesan-coated pasta shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free option available
Steak Bites
- 1 pound tender steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer, cooking without stirring until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and melt, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Shells: In a separate saucepan, warm heavy cream over low heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Toss cooked pasta shells in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan shells, top with garlic butter steak bites, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Dry your steak bites thoroughly to ensure a golden crust and juicy interior.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best vibrant flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook steak in batches if necessary to maintain proper searing.
- Reserve pasta water—it acts as a natural thickener for the sauce.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to avoid additives that can affect melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Creamy Parmesan Shells, Steak Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Meal