If you’re craving something hearty, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells. This delightful dish features juicy sirloin steak cubes, perfectly pan-seared and lavishly coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, all served alongside creamy pasta shells enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Prepared in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between flavorful protein and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Combining tenderness and rich flavors, these steak bites are made even better by the creamy pasta, which absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the garlic and Parmesan. You’ll enjoy every forkful, whether you’re eating it alone or spooning it onto a plate to share with family and friends. This recipe not only satisfies cravings, but it does so with minimal fuss, making it a go-to when you’re looking for quick dinner ideas that don’t compromise on quality or taste.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
This main course recipe is certainly one to impress! Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknight meals.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter infuses the steak with rich flavor.
- Comforting Dish: Creamy Parmesan sauce on shells is a hug in a bowl.
- Flexible Ingredients: Customize with your choice of proteins and veggies.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin whipping up this mouthwatering meal, make sure your kitchen is ready. Gather all your ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot for boiling water, a separate skillet for searing the steak, and another pot or skillet for making the creamy sauce. Have a cutting board and chef’s knife handy for chopping and dicing ingredients like parsley, garlic, and steak. It’s also beneficial to have measuring spoons and cups nearby to ensure accurate ingredient measurements. Prepare a fine grater for the Parmesan cheese and a sturdy spatula for stirring. Prepping your workspace will save time and keep the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley leaves finely. Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater for maximum flavor. Lastly, fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil—this will be used for cooking the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water, as it can help adjust the cream sauce’s consistency later.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—this will help achieve a nice sear. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned. Once perfectly seared, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat slightly and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Allow the garlic to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing everything together for another minute or two until coated with the garlicky butter. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate pan, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the remaining minced garlic until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the cooked shell pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Toss to coat the pasta perfectly with the sauce.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
To serve, place a generous portion of creamy pasta on each plate and top it with the seared garlic butter steak bites. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy the wonderful marriage of flavors that this dish brings!
Variations
- Protein: Swap sirloin for chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
- Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika, thyme, or fresh basil for new flavor profiles.
Cooking Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the steak; it should be tender and juicy.
- Reserve more pasta water if you want a thinner sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this rich dish.
Tips
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to minimize mess and maximize efficiency.
- For added richness, try mixing in some cream cheese with the heavy cream in your sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: About 35 grams
- Sodium: Varies based on salt usage and cheese
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge to keep them fresh.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
In addition to shell pasta, you could use penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine—just ensure the cooking times are adjusted accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells represent everything comfort food should be—delicious, satisfying, and uncomplicated. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself and your family to a delightful meal, this recipe stands out for both its flavors and ease of preparation. Be sure to give it a try, and feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it uniquely yours. We hope you’ll share your experience, try out different variations, and tell us how you enjoyed this delicious dish!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ultimately, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells represent everything comfort food should be—delicious, satisfying, and uncomplicated.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley leaves finely. Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater for maximum flavor. Lastly, fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil—this will be used for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water, as it can help adjust the cream sauce’s consistency later.
- Sear the Steak Bites: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—this will help achieve a nice sear. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned. Once perfectly seared, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Add Garlic and Butter: In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat slightly and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Allow the garlic to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing everything together for another minute or two until coated with the garlicky butter. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate pan, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the remaining minced garlic until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the cooked shell pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Toss to coat the pasta perfectly with the sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: To serve, place a generous portion of creamy pasta on each plate and top it with the seared garlic butter steak bites. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy the wonderful marriage of flavors that this dish brings!
Notes
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this rich dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on salt usage and cheese
- Protein: About 35 grams