Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends juicy, tender beef with luscious, creamy pasta, then this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a mouthwatering combination where seared steak bites are bathed in fragrant garlic butter and partnered with perfectly cooked pasta shells smothered in a dreamy cream sauce. This dish strikes that ideal balance between a gourmet restaurant experience and cozy home cooking, all wrapped into one irresistible plate that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Each component contributes distinct flavors and textures, from the rich marbling in the steak to the silky smoothness of the cream sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

• Sirloin steak (1.5 lbs): Look for good marbling to ensure tender, juicy bites; ribeye or strip steak are great alternatives for extra flavor.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Divided use helps build layers of richness and enhances the garlic aroma in the dish.
• Garlic (8 cloves total): Fresh minced garlic is key for that punchy, irresistible fragrance—garlic powder can substitute if needed.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a stable searing base with a subtle fruity undertone that complements the steak perfectly.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of both steak and pasta.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy herbal note, making the steak bites even more aromatic; fresh thyme works beautifully as well.
• Medium pasta shells (12 oz): Their rounded shape traps the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce; half-and-half is a lighter alternative if you prefer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish to the sauce; Romano cheese works as a substitute.
• Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Softened for blending, this ingredient gives the sauce extra body and silkiness.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers a pop of color and a refreshing herbal contrast to the richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

First, let your sirloin steak rest outside the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Cut the meat into consistent 1-inch cubes, ensuring they cook uniformly. Pat each piece completely dry using paper towels—this step is crucial because moisture prevents the steak from searing properly. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and thyme, allowing the flavors to penetrate as you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Start the Pasta Water

While you prep the steak, fill a large pot with water and salt it until it tastes like seawater. This final salting step seasons the pasta from inside, making every bite flavorful. Bring the water to a vigorous boil and add your medium pasta shells. Cook them following the package instructions, but reduce the time by one minute to keep them slightly underdone, as they will finish cooking in the creamy sauce. Save one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this will help adjust your sauce later on.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat your olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly. Then, place the steak cubes in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side to develop a golden crust. This caramelization locks in juicy flavors and none of that deliciousness is worth rushing, so patience is key here.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter right into the skillet with the beautifully seared steak. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until the fragrance fills your kitchen, about 30 seconds—be careful not to brown the garlic as it can turn bitter. Toss the steak bites to coat them in this aromatic butter and garlic mixture, then transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic, cooking briefly to release their essence. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, creating the perfect base. Stir in the softened cream cheese until silky smooth, forming a decadent sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta shells.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Now, add your drained pasta shells to the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan to avoid clumps, enhancing the sauce’s depth and creaminess. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired smoothness. Finally, fold the rested steak bites back into the pan, mixing gently so the tender meat stays intact and everything is evenly coated in that luscious, garlicky butter sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is your best friend here, adding not only a vibrant splash of green but also a subtle fresh bite that balances the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving amps the savory goodness and adds a delightful finish to this indulgent dish.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta with a crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. Don’t forget some warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every flavorful drop of sauce – it’s the perfect sidekick!

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable presentation, serve this dish family-style in a warm cast-iron skillet to keep it cozy and inviting. Alternatively, plating the pasta in shallow bowls showcases the glistening steak bites nestled within the creamy sauce. Consider finishing with a drizzle of extra garlic butter for added decadence and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves to elevate the visuals and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating will restore the velvety texture beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze the steak bites separately by spreading them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags—this prevents them from clumping together. They keep well for up to three months. For best results, make the pasta fresh, as freezing cooked pasta can affect its texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Adding a bit of cream or broth during reheating helps keep the steak juicy and the sauce creamy without risking drying out the meat or curdling the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sirloin is a great balance between flavor and tenderness, but ribeye or New York strip steaks will also deliver fantastic results if you’re aiming for something richer. Just avoid ultra-lean cuts like eye of round, which can become tough when cut into small cubes.

How do I know when the steak bites are perfectly cooked?

For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F before resting. The residual heat will carry it close to 140°F—ideal for tender, juicy steak bites. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure precision.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free twist. While the flavor shifts slightly, the dish remains satisfyingly creamy and flavorful.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the steak?

Reheat low and slow in a skillet covered with a lid, adding a splash of cream or broth. This gentle warming keeps the steak tender and prevents the sauce from breaking, preserving the dish’s luscious texture.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can definitely cut and season the steak up to four hours before cooking. The cream sauce base can be made earlier in the day and rewarmed gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta. For best texture, always cook the pasta just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-worthy flavors and textures to your own kitchen without the fuss. The tender steak morsels glazed in garlicky butter paired with that indulgent, creamy pasta create a comforting yet elegant meal you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new go-to dinner that impresses every time!

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