A rich and indulgent meal can turn an ordinary day into something special, and this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta with Parmesan Cream is just the dish to do that. I first made this dish when I was craving comfort food that felt a little more refined than the usual pasta dishes I tend to make. The combination of tender steak bites and a creamy, Parmesan-rich sauce over shell pasta felt like the perfect answer. The flavors are bold yet comforting, and the dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for a dinner party or family gathering.
This dish holds a unique place in my heart. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for your family on a busy weeknight or serving it to friends for a special occasion, this meal never disappoints. The garlic butter steak bites are tender and flavorful, and when paired with the creamy, cheesy pasta, they create a harmonious balance of flavors that are truly unforgettable. It’s one of those recipes that I find myself making again and again, as it consistently delivers delicious results.
If you’re looking to elevate your pasta game and want a dish that feels indulgent but still simple to prepare, this is it. Let’s dive in and make a meal that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta with Parmesan Cream is everything you could want in a comforting, flavorful meal. The combination of tender steak bites and a rich, creamy sauce is mouthwatering, and it’s all served over perfectly cooked shell pasta that soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels fancy without the fuss. The steak is seared to perfection, creating a beautiful crust, while the garlic butter sauce adds a richness that perfectly complements the pasta. The Parmesan cheese ties everything together, making this dish irresistibly creamy and savory.
This dish is versatile enough for any occasion. It’s the kind of recipe you can make for a busy weeknight when you want something comforting yet quick, or you can serve it to friends or family during a special gathering. No matter the occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re a steak lover or a pasta enthusiast, this meal hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Shell Pasta:
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Start by cooking the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed sirloin steak. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water to help thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation Ideas:
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make it your own based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few ideas for customizing the dish:
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Vegan or Dairy-Free: To make this dish vegan, substitute the steak with plant-based protein options like tofu or tempeh. Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan to create a rich, cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the shell pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety like rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Be sure to check that your Parmesan is made without gluten if needed.
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Add Vegetables: If you’d like to add more vegetables to the dish, consider sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers along with the garlic. These vegetables will complement the creamy sauce and add extra nutrition to the meal.
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Different Meat Options: If you’re not a fan of steak or want a different flavor profile, you can substitute the steak with chicken breast or pork tenderloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these meats will require different amounts of time to cook.
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Extra Spices: For a bit more heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or even a bit of cayenne for a spicier kick.
How to Serve:
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta with Parmesan Cream is hearty enough to stand alone, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the meal and round out your dining experience. Here are a few ideas for complementary sides and pairings:
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Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance the richness of this dish. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or serve it with a classic Caesar salad for a more indulgent option. The crispness of the greens will cut through the creamy pasta and steak, providing a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
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Garlic Bread: If you’re looking for an extra dose of indulgence, garlic bread is a perfect pairing. Its buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy sauce of the pasta beautifully. If you want to keep it healthier, try a whole-grain or sourdough bread for dipping.
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Roasted Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini make a great side dish. Their slight bitterness pairs nicely with the richness of the steak and pasta.
Cooking Note
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Steak Searing: When searing the steak, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have a lot of steak bites to cook, do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, which won’t give you that beautiful, golden-brown crust. Take your time with this step to get the best texture and flavor out of the steak.
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Allow the Steak to Rest: After you remove the steak from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Cutting into it too soon may result in the juices running out, leaving the steak dry.
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Adjusting the Cream Sauce: If the Parmesan cream sauce becomes too thick while tossing in the pasta, don’t be afraid to add more pasta water or even a splash of milk or chicken broth. It’s important to keep the sauce smooth and creamy, so adjust as needed.
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Cheese Options: While this recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese, you can also try other cheeses to suit your tastes. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative if you want a sharper, saltier flavor. If you love cheese, feel free to add some mozzarella for an even creamier texture!
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Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley elevate the dish with a bright, aromatic freshness. Fresh herbs not only make the dish look more inviting but also add a punch of flavor that dried herbs just can’t replicate. You can substitute thyme with rosemary if preferred, and use basil for a different twist.
Recipe Tips
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Steak Selection: For the best steak bites, choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon. These cuts sear nicely and maintain their tenderness when cooked to medium or medium-rare. If you opt for a leaner cut like flank steak, make sure to slice it against the grain for the best texture.
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Pasta Variety: While shell pasta works wonderfully for this dish, you can experiment with other shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. If you’re gluten-free, there are many gluten-free pasta options that will work just as well.
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Serving Portions: This dish makes about 4 servings, but it can be easily scaled up or down. You can double the recipe for a larger crowd or halve it if you’re cooking for one or two. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients proportionally.
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Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they make for a great next-day lunch. Store the pasta and steak separately to avoid soggy leftovers. When reheating, add a bit of cream or broth to the sauce to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
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Meal Prep: To make this dish a bit more meal-prep-friendly, cook the steak bites and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything together. You’ll have a fresh, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 590
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 740mg
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice due to its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts like ribeye or flank steak. Ribeye is marbled with fat, making it even juicier, while flank steak is leaner but can still work if sliced properly against the grain. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the steak, so always check for doneness before removing it from the pan.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Shell pasta is great because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. The key is to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will absorb the sauce and continue cooking in the pan. If you’re gluten-free, there are plenty of gluten-free pasta options made from rice, corn, or even lentils that would work here.
Can I make the garlic butter steak bites ahead of time?
Yes, the steak bites can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store the steak and the creamy Parmesan pasta sauce separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything together. This will save you time on busy days while still delivering a delicious meal.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is rich and hearty, so a light, refreshing salad can balance out the flavors. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. For something more indulgent, garlic bread or crusty baguette will complement the dish wonderfully. You can also add a glass of sparkling water or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to help cut through the richness of the meal.
Can I use dairy-free or vegan ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be made vegan by swapping the steak for plant-based protein, like tempeh or soy cubes. Use dairy-free butter and plant-based heavy cream or coconut cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. The result will be just as satisfying and full of flavor!
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta with Parmesan Cream is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of luxury to your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special meal for your family, or just treating yourself to something indulgent after a long day, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The combination of tender, juicy steak and creamy, cheesy pasta in a garlic butter sauce is something you’ll crave again and again. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.
The versatility of this recipe also allows for endless variations whether you swap out the protein, use different pasta shapes, or add your favorite veggies, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish. The rich, savory flavors paired with the creamy sauce are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and treat yourself to a plate of pure deliciousness. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & shell pasta with Parmesan Cream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Shell Pasta:
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Start by cooking the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed sirloin steak. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water to help thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 590
- Sodium: 740
- Protein: 38