There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering combination of tender steak and creamy pasta. Imagine the savory richness of garlic butter steak bites, sizzling hot and paired with silky smooth, cheesy pasta. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, festive family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to treat yourself to a comforting and indulgent meal.
Inspired by the need for a simple yet gourmet dinner, this dish blends two favorites into one delightful plate. The steak bites are juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of garlic butter goodness. The creamy Parmesan shells take comfort food to a whole new level, adding a rich, velvety texture that complements the bold steak. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home—ready in less than 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a truly special meal without hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
If you’re someone who loves indulging in delicious comfort food with an elevated twist, this recipe is made for you. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
1. Perfect Flavor Balance
The combination of savory garlic butter steak bites and creamy Parmesan shells strikes a harmonious balance that tantalizes your taste buds. The richness of the butter and the umami of the Parmesan cheese pair perfectly with the tender steak, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
2. Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying a gourmet meal in no time!
3. Versatile Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two, a family meal, or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone. It’s perfect for everything from casual nights to festive dinners, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
4. Comfort Food with a Twist
We’ve all had our fair share of pasta dishes, but the addition of juicy, garlic-infused steak takes it to the next level. The crispy, flavorful steak bites add texture and depth to the creamy pasta, making this dish a standout in the world of comfort food.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this dish come together. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients are all you need to create something truly special.
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb sirloin steak: Choose a tender cut of steak like sirloin, which is perfect for searing and will stay juicy and flavorful when cooked in garlic butter.
- 3 tbsp butter: The butter is the star of the garlic butter sauce. It adds richness and helps carry all those bold flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds the perfect amount of flavor and aroma to the steak.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme: An optional touch of thyme adds a subtle earthy note that complements the richness of the steak.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak.
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- 8 oz shell pasta: The shells are perfect for soaking up all that creamy Parmesan sauce. If you prefer another type of pasta, feel free to swap it out!
- 1 tbsp butter: A little butter helps to create a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce. It makes the dish feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings that signature cheesy, nutty flavor that takes the sauce to the next level.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A little extra garlic flavor to complement the fresh garlic in the steak bites.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to round out the flavor of the sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
Now that you have all your ingredients prepped, let’s walk through the steps to bring this irresistible dish to life. Get ready for a mouthwatering dinner experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Step 1: Cook the Shell Pasta
Start by cooking the shell pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but be sure to check the package for precise cooking times. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the steak bites to the skillet. Season the steak with salt and black pepper.
Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to sear the steak bites, creating a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, add the minced garlic and thyme (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Once done, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt an additional tablespoon of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Steak
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce. The shells will absorb some of the sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.
Next, return the garlic butter steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together. Allow the steak and pasta to combine in the sauce, making sure every bite has a bit of steak, pasta, and creamy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish off this delicious dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green parsley not only adds color but also a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the steak and creamy pasta.
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells immediately, and get ready for a dinner that will impress even the most discerning foodies at your table.
Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
While this recipe is simple and foolproof, here are a few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak
While sirloin steak works beautifully for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts such as ribeye or filet mignon for an extra-special meal. Just keep in mind that thinner cuts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Don’t Overcook the Steak
To get the juiciest, most tender steak bites, be mindful not to overcook the meat. Steak should be seared on the outside but still tender on the inside. Aim for medium-rare or medium for the best results.
3. Customize the Sauce
If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor. You can also try adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for a hint of acidity.
4. Make It Your Own
This dish is highly customizable! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added color and flavor. If you’re not a fan of shell pasta, swap it out for any pasta you prefer—penne, fusilli, or fettuccine would work wonderfully as well.
5. Serve with a Side Salad
For a well-rounded meal, pair this dish with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the steak and creamy pasta perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable meal every time.
So next time you’re in the mood for a cozy, satisfying dinner, try this recipe and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food. With tender steak, creamy pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering combination of tender steak and creamy pasta. Imagine the savory richness of garlic butter steak bites, sizzling hot and paired with silky smooth, cheesy pasta. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings, festive family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to treat yourself to a comforting and indulgent meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a gourmet dinner made easy.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
8 oz shell pasta
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook steak bites for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked to your liking. Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Notes
- Choose a tender cut of steak like sirloin for best results.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak. Aim for medium-rare or medium for the best texture.
- Feel free to add more garlic or customize the sauce with ingredients like white wine or lemon juice.
- You can swap shell pasta for other types of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine.
- For added flavor, try incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes