Introduction

Steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender, seared steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. This easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in under 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce 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 cast iron skillet for better searing of the steak bites.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a thinner consistency.
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Try swapping Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
For extra veggies, toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach when adding the cream.

Storage

Store any 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 pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?

Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the time slightly depending on your preferred level of doneness.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

A rich and savory dish featuring tender steak bites and shell pasta tossed in a creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. Perfect for an indulgent dinner that’s quick to prepare, combining succulent seared steak with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Author: Dylan
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 and Pasta

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz shell pasta
2 tbsp olive oil

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
Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish

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 the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare Steak: Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and get a good sear.
Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak bites and transfer to a plate, loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium then add the unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta into the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the seared steak bites along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use a high-quality steak like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Make sure not to overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
The parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh note and color contrast.
Serve immediately as the sauce thickens as it cools.

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, seared steak, easy creamy pasta