Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells
Tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta shells for the ultimate comfort meal. This restaurant-quality dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
– 1½ lb (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells
– 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the steak and keep warm.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the steak to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter, and sprinkle with parsley.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Fold the cooked pasta shells into the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
9. Serve the creamy Parmesan shells topped with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Tips
– Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for a better sear.
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce.
– Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and vegetables.
– Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Rich, buttery, cheesy, and packed with tender steak in every bite, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
