Introduction

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce combines tender, flavorful steak pieces with creamy, rich pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s a perfect dish for those who love hearty comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo 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

Use a high-quality steak and ensure it’s patted dry for better browning and flavor.
If you prefer, substitute shell pasta with penne or fettuccine.
For a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly or use half-and-half.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.

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 a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon all work well. Choose a tender cut suitable for quick cooking to keep the steak bites juicy.

How do I know when the steak bites are done?

Cook steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until browned. Adjust time based on your preferred doneness, but avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, seared steak bites served alongside al dente shell pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce. The combination of savory steak and luscious sauce makes for an indulgent yet easy-to-make dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3–4 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
½ cup 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Prepare Steak Bites: Pat the steak bites dry using paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear 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 browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet, transfer them 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 skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Plate the creamy garlic butter Alfredo pasta and top with the warm steak bites and any accumulated juices from the resting plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

You can use different cuts of steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon depending on your preference and budget.
Be careful not to overcook the steak bites; they sear quickly due to their small size.
If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more cream to loosen it up before serving.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for smooth melting and rich flavor.
Parsley is optional, but adds a fresh pop of color and slight herbal note.

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, stovetop recipe