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