Garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan shells is the kind of dinner I turn to when I want something rich, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. The steak bites are seared to perfection in garlicky butter, and the creamy pasta shells are packed with cheesy, comforting goodness. It’s a restaurant-style meal I can easily whip up at home in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: juicy steak and cheesy pasta. The garlic butter adds a depth of flavor to the steak that’s mouthwatering, and the pasta shells soak up every bit of that luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a cozy dinner that feels special without being complicated. Plus, it's easy to adjust for whatever I have in the fridge.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the steak bites:
- Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the creamy Parmesan shells:
- Pasta shells
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
directions
- I start by seasoning the steak cubes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Then I lower the heat and add butter, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. I cook everything together for another 2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak in the garlic butter. Once done, I remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, I melt more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then I pour in the heavy cream and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- I simmer the sauce for a few minutes, then add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Once the sauce is smooth, I stir in the cooked pasta shells and mix until well coated.
- I season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, plate it, and top it with the warm garlic butter steak bites.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the sirloin for ribeye, or use chicken breast if I’m in the mood for something lighter. If I want to add a veggie, spinach or sautéed mushrooms go really well with the cream sauce. For a spicy version, I add red pepper flakes to both the steak and the pasta. And when I’m feeling fancy, I finish it with a little truffle oil.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth. The steak can be reheated in a pan or microwave, but I try not to overcook it so it stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, I can. Ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin work well. I just make sure to cut the meat into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Can I make the pasta ahead of time?
I can cook the pasta and even make the sauce ahead. I just reheat the sauce with a splash of cream and toss in the pasta when I’m ready to serve.
What if I don’t have shells?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni works great. I’ve even used fettuccine when I was out of shells.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, I’ve used whole milk with a bit of cream cheese or added flour and butter to thicken it. It won’t be quite as rich, but it still tastes great.
How do I keep the steak tender?
I make sure not to overcook the steak bites—just a quick sear on high heat is all it takes. Letting them rest briefly before serving helps keep them juicy.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan shells is one of those meals that always satisfies. It’s rich, full of flavor, and so comforting. Whether I’m feeding family, hosting a casual dinner, or just treating myself, this recipe always delivers a delicious experience with minimal fuss.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic butter steak bites with creamy Parmesan shells is a rich, indulgent dinner that brings together juicy, seared steak in garlicky butter and cheesy pasta shells smothered in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion, this easy steak and pasta recipe is pure comfort food with bold flavor and minimal prep.
Ingredients
- For the steak bites:
- Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- For the creamy Parmesan shells:
- Pasta shells
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring to coat the steak. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta shells and mix until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter steak bites. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap sirloin for ribeye, tenderloin, or even chicken.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Truffle oil makes a fancy finishing touch.
- Use any short pasta if shells aren’t available.
