Introduction

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a rich and satisfying meal that combines tender seared steak with creamy, flavorful pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.

Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz shell pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Plate pasta and top with steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a better sear.
Swap shell pasta for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle heat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy and cheesy texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes, ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon are great choices, but you can also use flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.

How can I make the Alfredo sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. To thicken, allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.

Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

Enjoy a rich and flavorful meal combining tender steak bites with shell pasta tossed in a creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of protein and indulgent cheesy sauce, making it an ideal comforting dinner option.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

8 oz shell pasta
Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and browning.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet, transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Gradually stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to combine and coat every shell. If the sauce appears too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the seared steak bites, including any juices from the plate for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use steaks like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for tenderness and flavor.
Adjust the cream and cheese quantities slightly for a thicker or thinner Alfredo sauce consistency.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and taste.
Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
Serve this dish fresh to enjoy the creamy texture and juicy steak bites at their best.

Keywords: Steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, easy dinner, steak pasta recipe, skillet meal