Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

This recipe brings together two of the most comforting things on a dinner plate—tender, juicy steak bites in a rich garlic butter sauce and ultra-creamy Parmesan pasta shells. The flavor pairing is luxurious yet easy to make, giving you a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this combo is hearty, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick but elevated: Simple ingredients, bold flavors, ready in under an hour.
• Perfect balance: Savory, buttery steak paired with creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust spices to your taste.
• Family-friendly: Adults love the richness, kids love the creamy pasta.
• Visually stunning: A beautiful plate that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Creamy Parmesan Shells

• 8 oz pasta shells
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Season the Steak

• Pat the steak pieces dry using paper towels.
• Season generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is coated.

Sear the Steak

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• When hot, add the steak bites in a single layer.
• Sear for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
• Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Make Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
• Add 4 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt.
• Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
• Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Return Steak to Pan

• Add the seared steak bites back into the skillet.
• Stir well to coat all pieces in the garlic herb butter.
• Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired doneness.
• Remove from heat and keep warm.

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 8 oz pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
• Drain and set aside.

Start the Sauce

• In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
• Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Melt the Cheese

• Gradually add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.
• Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish the Pasta

• Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce.
• Toss gently to coat all the shells evenly.
• Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken and warm through.

To Serve

Plate the Dish

• Spoon the creamy Parmesan shells onto serving plates or bowls.
• Top each portion with a generous scoop of garlic butter steak bites.
• Drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the top.

Garnish

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (optional) for color and a fresh finish.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Rest the steak: Let the steak bites sit for 3–5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
• Add a kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat to the garlic butter sauce.
• Mix up the cheese: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper pasta sauce.
• Toss in veggies: Add baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the shells for extra nutrition.
• Finish with lemon zest: Brightens the entire dish and cuts the richness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette for soaking up the sauce.
• Serve with a side salad of arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan.
• Wine pairing: A bold red like Cabernet or a crisp Chardonnay works beautifully.
• Turn it into a bowl: Layer with greens and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Storage / Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of cream if the pasta sauce thickens.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes—sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin, or even flank steak work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients in advance, but for best texture, cook the steak and pasta just before serving.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. Sauce will be thinner.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheese is GF-certified.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—mushrooms, spinach, and roasted bell peppers make great additions.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of recipe that looks gourmet but comes together easily in your home kitchen. With juicy steak, rich garlic butter, and velvety Parmesan pasta, every bite is deeply satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re entertaining or just indulging midweek, this meal brings the comfort and class of a steakhouse right to your table.

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