Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Feeling the Craving? How to Satisfy Your Comfort Food Desires

Are you looking for a weeknight meal that feels both incredibly decadent and surprisingly easy to whip up? If so, you’re not alone! Many home cooks struggle to find that perfect balance between impressive flavor and minimal effort. This is where the magic of Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells comes in. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of taste and texture. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary star without spending hours in the kitchen. We’re talking tender, flavorful steak bites bathed in rich garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta shells coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce. Ultimately, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells represent everything comfort food should be—delicious, satisfying, and uncomplicated.

Ingredients: The Heart of Your Culinary Creation

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. We’re focusing on quality and flavor here, ensuring each component shines. Think of these as building blocks for pure comfort.

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs Sirloin Steak (or your favorite cut like ribeye or New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes. *Look for well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor. A good sirloin offers a robust beefy taste without being overly expensive.*
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil. For searing the steak and providing a base for the garlic butter.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter. This is key for that luscious garlic butter sauce. Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
• 4-6 cloves Garlic, minced. Adjust to your garlic preference! Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent, aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped). For a hint of freshness and color.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste. Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it adds a lovely warmth.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes, a pinch. For a subtle kick of heat that complements the richness.

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

• 12 oz Medium Pasta Shells (conchiglie). The nooks and crannies of shells are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne will also work.
• 2 cups Heavy Cream. The luscious base of our creamy sauce. For a lighter version, see Healthier Alternatives.
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese. Use freshly grated for the best melt and sharpest flavor. Pre-shredded can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect smoothness.
• 1/4 cup Milk (whole or 2%). To help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder. For an extra layer of garlic flavor in the pasta.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste.

Timing is Everything: From Prep to Plate

Compared to the average comfort food meal that can take upwards of an hour or more, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving something truly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Culinary Journey

Step 1: Prep the Steak

First things first, let’s get our star ingredient ready. Pat your steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear. Season them generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be afraid to season well; the steak needs it to develop flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. We’re aiming for medium-rare to medium for maximum tenderness. Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet just yet; those browned bits are pure flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This magical liquid gold will help emulsify our sauce later.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat of the skillet you used for the steak to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes now for a little heat. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic powder. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, return the seared steak bites to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the steak in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Nutritional Information Snapshot

While this is a dish designed for indulgence, here’s a general estimate of what you can expect per serving (this will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes):

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 kcal
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 40-55g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

This is a rich and satisfying dish, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthier Twists Without Sacrificing Flavor

Craving this deliciousness but looking for a lighter option? You can make smart swaps:

• Leaner Steak: Opt for leaner cuts like flank steak or top sirloin and trim any visible fat.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute half of the heavy cream with evaporated milk or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked with a little cold milk) to thicken. You could also use a lighter cream cheese or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta shells for added fiber.
• More Veggies: Add steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra nutrients and bulk.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Plate

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to complement it:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Steamed asparagus or green beans.
• Crusty bread for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells turn out perfectly:

• Overcooking the Steak: Steak bites cook very quickly. Overcooking will make them tough and dry. Aim for medium-rare to medium.
• Overcrowding the Pan: This prevents the steak from searing properly, leading to steamed rather than browned meat. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not Salting Pasta Water: This is your first opportunity to season the pasta itself. Don’t skip it!
• Burning the Garlic: Minced garlic in butter can burn quickly. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.

Storing Tips: Enjoying Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. While delicious, the steak might lose some of its tenderness upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Print Recipe

Ultimately, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells represent everything comfort food should be—delicious, satisfying, and uncomplicated.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5lbs sirloin steak, cut into1-inch cubes
• 4cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoonsunsalted butter
• 1 tablespoonolive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoonchopped fresh parsley
• 8 ozshell pasta
• 1 tablespoonunsalted butter
• 2cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cupheavy cream
• 0.5 cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:Start by preparing the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley leaves finely. Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater for maximum flavor. Lastly, fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil—this will be used for cooking the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta:Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water, as it can help adjust the cream sauce’s consistency later.
3. Sear the Steak Bites:While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—this will help achieve a nice sear. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until browned. Once perfectly seared, remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add Garlic and Butter:In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat slightly and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Allow the garlic to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet, tossing everything together for another minute or two until coated with the garlicky butter. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra flavor.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:In a separate pan, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the remaining minced garlic until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the cooked shell pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Toss to coat the pasta perfectly with the sauce.
7. Serve & Enjoy:To serve, place a generous portion of creamy pasta on each plate and top it with the seared garlic butter steak bites. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy the wonderful marriage of flavors that this dish brings!

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this rich dish.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
• Protein: About 35 grams