The Juiciest Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Recipe

Succulent garlic butter steak bites pair perfectly with creamy parmesan shells, creating a mouthwatering combination that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this irresistible recipe.

Imagine tender beef morsels glistening with rich, herb-infused butter alongside pasta coated in a luscious cheese sauce.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a game-changer for busy home cooks.

Simple techniques elevate basic ingredients into something spectacular and restaurant-worthy.

Each bite delivers an explosion of savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist the delicious magic happening on this plate.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells

• Savor Quick Cooking: Prepare this mouthwatering dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Enjoy Flavor-Packed Protein: Tender steak bites seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in garlic butter create an irresistible main course that's bursting with rich, savory flavors.
• Create Restaurant-Style Comfort: Transform your home kitchen into a gourmet dining experience with this restaurant-quality meal that combines creamy pasta and perfectly seared steak bites, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by adjusting spices, choosing your preferred steak doneness, or swapping cheese types for a personalized culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shells

• Shell Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.

• Steak: A tender and flavorful meat that adds richness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Worcestershire Sauce: A blend of spices that enhances the steak's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide richness and help develop a beautiful golden-brown sear on the steak.

• Heavy Cream, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Create a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melt into a rich and velvety cheese sauce that coats the pasta.

• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent flavor to both the steak and the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shells

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add shell pasta and cook until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside while preparing the other components of the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Worcestershire sauce

Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Coating

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium.

Drop in butter and freshly minced garlic. Quickly stir to coat the steak pieces, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden.

Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked shell pasta to the creamy cheese sauce. Gently stir to ensure every pasta shell is luxuriously coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the creamy parmesan shells onto serving plates. Top generously with the garlic butter steak bites.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of tender steak and creamy pasta.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shells

• Pat steak pieces dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce during searing to intensify the meat's rich, savory taste.
• Remove sauce from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for more succulent and juicy steak bites that melt in your mouth.
• Use a light hand with salt and spices to complement the steak's natural flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shells

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and add diced jalapeños to the steak for a fiery kick. Mix in pepper jack cheese for extra heat in the sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap seasoning with za'atar and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano and mint into the creamy sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Mushroom Umami Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the steak for deep, earthy flavors. Include a splash of white wine and mix in some gruyère cheese for richness.
• Asian-Inspired Variation: Season steak with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add green onions and swap parmesan for a drizzle of sriracha mayo in the creamy sauce.

Pairings That Match Garlic Butter Steak Bites

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory steak and creamy sauce, enhancing the meal's robust flavors.
• Optimize Beer Selection: Grab a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the buttery richness and matches the steak's bold seasoning, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Refresh with Cocktail: Mix a classic old fashioned or whiskey sour to provide a smooth, slightly sweet counterpoint to the garlic and steak's intense profile.
• Enhance Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to bring a zesty, fresh element that cleanses the palate between rich bites of steak and creamy pasta.

Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shells Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping steak and pasta separately to maintain texture.

Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, separating steak and pasta. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of cream to restore moisture.

Warm pasta in skillet with small amount of butter or cream over medium-low heat. Reheat steak separately in another pan for 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking, preserving its tender texture.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right cut of steak for this recipe?

Look for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. Aim for pieces about 1-inch thick that will sear quickly and remain juicy.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning or include a dash of cayenne pepper in the spice mix for extra heat.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Use lean cuts of beef, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter version.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions to replicate the flavor profile.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter steak bites mingle with creamy parmesan shells in this irresistible comfort classic. Rich flavors and tender meat promise a memorable meal that will delight your taste buds and satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings & Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta Ingredients:

• 2 cups medium shell pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Select a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully add seasoned steak pieces, incorporating salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Sear steak pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior while maintaining desired internal doneness. Reduce heat to medium.
4. Introduce butter and minced garlic to the skillet, swirling to create a fragrant coating over the steak. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour heavy cream and incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring cream mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually blend parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Fold cooked shell pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
8. Transfer creamy parmesan shells to serving plates, strategically arranging garlic butter steak bites on top.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose high-quality steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Pat steak pieces dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and creating a delicious caramelized crust.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting seasoning ratios or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Let steak rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain juices and maintain optimal texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking seasoning ingredient labels.
• Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
• Store steak and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg