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