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