Are you looking for a dinner recipe that tantalizes your taste buds and satisfies your cravings? Look no further! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells recipe combines the rich flavors of seared sirloin steak with creamy, spicy pasta, creating an unforgettable meal that can be achieved in under 40 minutes. It perfectly showcases how bold flavors can easily elevate a meal, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night at home, or a special occasion when you want to impress without overcomplicating your cooking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat. The rich garlic butter coats the tender steak bites, while the creamy chipotle sauce hugs the shell pasta, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or anyone who loves a quick yet mouthwatering meal, this recipe is designed for you. Get ready to savor the goodness that combines comfort with flair; it’s a perfect example of how hearty meals can be prepared in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
- Quick to Prepare: This meal comes together in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavors: The delicious combination of garlic butter, spicy chipotle, and creamy cheddar offers a feast of flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this dish fits every occasion!
- Comfort Food: A warm and hearty dish that satisfies cravings and brings comfort to the dining table.
- Easy Cleanup: Making this meal in a single skillet and saucepan keeps your kitchen clean!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and workspace for optimal ease. Start by gathering your ingredients: sirloin steak, garlic, olive oil, butter, and white cheddar cheese, among others. Having everything within arm’s reach will streamline the cooking process.
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet for searing the steak and a separate saucepan for the creamy sauce. When working with steak, it’s best to have a good-quality knife for cutting it into cubes and a cutting board for prep. Also, ensure you have a pot for boiling the shell pasta. Once your tools and ingredients are ready, you can effortlessly transition from one step to the next.
Ingredients
- 450g sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 250g shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ cups white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tablespoons pasta water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by patting the sirloin steak bites dry with paper towels. This step is crucial in ensuring a nice sear. After drying, season them generously with salt and black pepper. The seasoning penetrates the meat and enhances the overall flavor, making each bite deliciously savory.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta, cooking it until it reaches an al dente texture, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking when combined with the creamy sauce. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This browning adds depth and flavor to the steak. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to keep it warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this step will infuse the butter with incredible garlic flavor. Once aromatic, return the seared steak to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the steaks in the garlic butter. Then remove the skillet from heat to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Chipotle Sauce
In a separate saucepan, add a small amount of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, sautéing them for about a minute to awaken their smoky flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream and gently heat through until it starts to bubble. Stir constantly to ensure it warms evenly.
Step 6: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Into the creamy base, stir the garlic powder and onion powder. Gradually add the freshly shredded white cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until it melts and transforms into a velvety sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, utilize the reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Now, add the drained shell pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Once the pasta is coated in the luscious sauce, plate it up, and top with the garlic butter steak bites you prepared earlier. Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Variations
- Protein: Switch it up with shrimp or chicken breast for a different protein element.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the chipotle level based on your heat preference by using more or less, or omit it for a milder version.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking to enhance even cooking.
- More garlic can be added for an even more robust flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak; it should be tender and juicy.
- The reserved pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh arugula salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a crusty bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
Tips
- Prepping ingredients in advance can save time during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness of steak (medium-rare is around 135°F).
- Make extra sauce if you love a creamier pasta experience!
- Be mindful of the heat level and adjust chipotle quantity according to your preference.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 725
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, although shells hold sauce nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the steak and sauce ahead of time, then combine when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for white cheddar cheese?
Substituting with gouda, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp cheeses can deliver a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the steak and opt for sautéed mushrooms or any other plant-based protein and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is a dish that melds bold, hearty flavors with the comforting familiarity of pasta and sauce. It truly exemplifies how simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary meal that is delightful for any palate. Whether preparing for a quick family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is bound to impress. We encourage you to share your thoughts and variations after trying it out, and don’t hesitate to explore personal touches that reflect your culinary style. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells recipe combines the rich flavors of seared sirloin steak with creamy, spicy pasta, creating an unforgettable meal!
Ingredients
- 450g sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 250g shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ cups white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tablespoons pasta water (as needed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Start by patting the sirloin steak bites dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta, cooking it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Remove and keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the seared steak to coat in garlic butter.
- In a separate saucepan, heat a small amount of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, sauté for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and heat through until bubbling.
- Stir in garlic powder and onion powder. Gradually add shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Add cooked shell pasta to the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated, then plate and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking to enhance even cooking. More garlic can be added for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 725 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 36 g