Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a wonderful combination of hearty steak bites and velvety pasta, with the garlic butter bringing out the savory richness of the steak while the creamy Parmesan shells balance everything with a smooth, cheesy texture. The flavors are perfectly matched, and the creamy pasta acts as a wonderful backdrop to the garlicky, juicy steak. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough for special occasions. The best part? It comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- 8 oz pasta shells (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Prepare the steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Cook the steak bites: Add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, stirring to combine with the garlic. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter for an additional minute. Set aside.
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the steak and pasta: Plate the creamy Parmesan shells and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Skip the steak bites and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a touch of heat.
- Add-ins: You can add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled onions to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
- Different pasta: Swap the pasta shells with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni based on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the steak and pasta or warm them in a skillet with a little extra butter or cream to keep them creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the steak bites?
Yes, you can use any cut of steak, such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak pieces.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the creamy sauce. The sauce will still be delicious but a bit less rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the steak bites and creamy Parmesan sauce ahead of time. Reheat them when ready to serve, then combine.
Can I use shredded Parmesan instead of grated Parmesan?
Yes, you can use shredded Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to stir well to melt it into the sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking?
To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to stir it occasionally while cooking. After draining, toss it with a little butter or olive oil to keep it from clumping together.
Can I make this dish with chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs can be substituted for steak. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through before adding it to the garlic butter.
Can I make the creamy sauce dairy-free?
You can make the sauce dairy-free by using coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, and dairy-free Parmesan cheese if needed.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it a more balanced meal.
How do I know when the steak bites are done?
The steak bites are done when they are browned on the outside and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 3 minutes per side; for medium, cook for about 4 minutes per side.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s not ideal for freezing, you can freeze the steak bites and creamy sauce separately. Just be aware that the sauce may separate when reheating.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the ultimate indulgent dish that combines tender steak, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion. The steak bites are bursting with flavor, and the creamy pasta offers a satisfying contrast. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation! Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe combines juicy, flavorful steak bites coated in savory garlic butter with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta shells. It’s an indulgent, comforting dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with tender steak and velvety, cheesy pasta.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- 8 oz pasta shells (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Add steak pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add butter and stir until melted. Return steak to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter for 1 more minute. Set aside.
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss to coat.
Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan shells and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead of steak.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- You can use any type of pasta, including fettuccine or penne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
