Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy, garlicky steak bites and rich, creamy pasta. It’s like the best of steakhouse dining and cozy home-cooked comfort food all in one plate. If you’re craving a meal that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe is for you.

The best part? It all comes together in under 40 minutes! That means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a date night, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients in just a few steps.
✔ Packed with Flavor: Garlic butter steak + creamy parmesan pasta = pure heaven.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home: It tastes like something from your favorite steakhouse.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special meal, this dish fits the bill.

Now, let’s get started!

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

• 12 oz medium pasta shells (or any short pasta)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Before we dive into the steak, let’s get the pasta started. Since the creamy parmesan sauce comes together quickly, you’ll want the pasta ready to go when it’s time to mix everything together.

1. Boil the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the pasta: Add the shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. (Al dente means firm to the bite, which is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!)
3. Reserve some pasta water: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This will help adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

---

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show—the steak! The key to getting that perfect sear is to start with a hot pan and avoid overcrowding the meat.

1. Prepare the steak: Pat the steak bites dry with a paper towel—this helps them develop that delicious crust when seared. Then, season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a simple but flavorful seasoning.
2. Heat the pan: Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it get nice and hot.
3. Sear the steak: Add the steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side without moving them around too much. This allows them to get a deep, golden-brown crust.
4. Add the garlic butter: Once the steak bites are beautifully seared, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Stir everything together, letting the butter melt and coat the steak in that rich, garlicky goodness.
5. Finish it off: Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the steak with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Now that our steak bites are perfectly seared and coated in rich, garlicky butter, it’s time to move on to the second half of this incredible dish—the creamy parmesan shells. This sauce is silky, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it the perfect companion to the juicy steak.

If you’ve never made a homemade parmesan cream sauce before, don’t worry! It’s incredibly easy, and once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything. Let’s get started!

---

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the Butter & Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet you used for the steak (don’t clean it—you want all those flavorful bits!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!

2. Add the Cream & Seasonings

Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Then, add:

• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Keep stirring as the cheese melts into the cream, creating a velvety smooth sauce.

3. Adjust the Consistency

At this point, the sauce might be a little thick. This is where our reserved pasta water comes in!

Gradually add ¼ to ½ cup of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This helps it cling to the pasta beautifully without being too heavy.

---

Step 4: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy parmesan sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
3. Let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

At this point, your creamy parmesan shells should look rich, cheesy, and completely irresistible! Now, let’s bring it all together.

---

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Now for the best part—plating everything up.

• Spoon the creamy parmesan shells onto one side of the plate.
• Pile the garlic butter steak bites next to the pasta.
• Sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley over the top for the perfect finishing touch.

Take a step back and admire your work—it looks like something straight out of a steakhouse! But trust me, it tastes even better.

---

Tips for the Best Steak Bites & Pasta

✔ Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

✔ Don’t Overcook the Steak – It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it to ensure a perfect, juicy bite.

✔ Save Extra Sauce – The pasta will continue absorbing the sauce, so if you want it extra creamy, reserve a bit on the side to mix in before serving.

✔ Customize It! – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or stir in a handful of spinach for an extra veggie boost.

At this point, your garlic butter steak bites are juicy, your creamy parmesan shells are perfectly coated in a velvety cheese sauce, and your kitchen smells downright incredible. This dish is all about big, bold flavors with a steakhouse-quality taste—but made right at home.

Now, before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some common questions you might have about making this dish.

---

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! While sirloin and ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor, you can also use NY strip or filet mignon. If you’re using a tougher cut like flank or chuck, I recommend marinating it for at least 30 minutes beforehand to help tenderize it.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes and no. The steak bites are best served fresh to maintain their perfect sear. However, the creamy parmesan pasta can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the steak gently in a skillet over low heat and reheat the pasta with a little cream or butter to bring back its creamy texture.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells hold the sauce beautifully, you can also use penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or cavatappi. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when mixed with the sauce.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, try adding:

• Crushed red pepper flakes to the steak and sauce
• A dash of hot sauce in the creamy pasta
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the steak seasoning

6. Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick, so you may need to add a little extra parmesan to help thicken it up.

---

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your new favorite easy, restaurant-quality meal! This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.

✔ Juicy, garlicky steak bites with a perfect sear
✔ Rich, creamy parmesan pasta that’s ultra-smooth and cheesy
✔ Simple ingredients, BIG flavors

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Do you have a favorite twist on steak and pasta? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Print