What the heck is this?
This isn’t your typical pasta dish. Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine perfectly seared, tender steak bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan Alfredo pasta shells that practically melt in your mouth. It’s comfort food at its finest, with savory steak and a cheesy, velvety pasta all on one plate. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Steak lovers, unite! You get tender steak bites cooked in garlic butter.
– The creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce? It’s chef’s kiss perfection.
– This dish is the perfect balance of savory, rich, and comforting.
– It’s quick and easy — dinner in under 30 minutes.
– One-pan magic. The steak and pasta share a skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
– It’s totally customizable — add veggies or tweak the flavors to your liking.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Steak Bites:
– 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Parmesan Alfredo Shells:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta shells (or any pasta you prefer)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sear the steak bites for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp of butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. If you want a little heat, add in the red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the garlic in the butter.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream begins to thicken. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine the Steak and Pasta
Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, tossing them in the creamy Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet and stir everything together to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate up your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells, making sure to get plenty of that creamy sauce on each serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
– A side of crispy garlic bread would be a dream to dip into that creamy sauce.
– A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the dish.
– Pair it with a glass of bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, for an extra touch of elegance.
Switch It Up
– Go Chicken: Swap the steak for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative.
– Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a burst of veggies and color.
– Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap the butter for olive oil for a lighter version.
– Change the Cheese: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a sharper, bolder flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can cook the steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the sauce when ready to serve.
– The creamy Alfredo sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just reheat it over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it up.
– Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet with a little bit of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak work great. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the cut.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes! You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit lighter in texture.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: You sure can! Just swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells: A Steak Lover’s Dream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This isn’t your typical pasta dish. Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine perfectly seared, tender steak bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan Alfredo pasta shells that practically melt in your mouth. It’s comfort food at its finest, with savory steak and a cheesy, velvety pasta all on one plate. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself without the hassle.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
– 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Parmesan Alfredo Shells:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta shells (or any pasta you prefer)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sear the steak bites for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp of butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. If you want a little heat, add in the red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the garlic in the butter.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream begins to thicken. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine the Steak and Pasta
Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, tossing them in the creamy Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Add the cooked steak bites back into the skillet and stir everything together to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate up your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells, making sure to get plenty of that creamy sauce on each serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
– A side of crispy garlic bread would be a dream to dip into that creamy sauce.
– A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the dish.
– Pair it with a glass of bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, for an extra touch of elegance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~45g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~35g