If you are searching for a dish that combines juicy, flavorful steak with a rich, comforting pasta, you have found a winner. The Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe is a delightful blend of tender sirloin steak cubes and shell pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Each bite is bursting with buttery garlic aroma, a hint of thyme, and savory Parmesan, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe captures all those indulgent flavors in a straightforward, satisfying meal that tastes far more luxurious than the time it takes to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this spectacular dish, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building up the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- Sirloin steak (1.5 lbs): The star protein, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp total): Adds a subtle fruity undertone and helps with searing the steak and sautéing the garlic.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its signature bold, aromatic flavor.
- Butter (6 tbsp total): Creates the luscious, creamy base that brings richness and depth.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp): Adds earthy, fragrant notes that brighten the butter sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Provides a gentle smoky warmth, elevating the steak bites beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.
- Shell pasta (8 oz): The perfect size and shape to hold the creamy sauce and match the bite-sized steak pieces.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the pasta sauce indulgently creamy and velvety.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a nutty, savory richness to the sauce’s finish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A vibrant green garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your shell pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This allows the pasta to maintain just the right amount of firmness, ensuring it holds up beautifully once combined with the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve some of the pasta water, which will come in handy later to thin out your sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sirloin steak cubes, seasoning them with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a deep, flavorful crust. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning the pieces to brown all sides perfectly. The key here is to achieve a caramelized exterior while keeping the steak juicy inside. Once seared, remove the steak bites from the pan and set them aside so you can build your sauce in the same skillet.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its inviting aroma but hasn’t browned too much, which could cause bitterness. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, allowing their fragrant essence to infuse the buttery mixture. This step is what transforms the dish from a simple pasta and steak into a decadent experience.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
Lower the heat and gently add the cooked shell pasta into the skillet with your garlic butter. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything together, coating the pasta evenly with the rich sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of your reserved pasta water will loosen it up to silky perfection, ensuring every shell is drenched in that dreamy creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Pasta
Finally, return the succulent steak bites to the skillet and gently toss them with the pasta and sauce. This allows all the flavors to mingle and meld together beautifully without breaking the tender steak pieces. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe and get ready for a meal that feels like a gourmet treat but was easy to whip up at home. Each forkful offers a heavenly mix of juicy steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that is hard to resist.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish for this dish, adding lively color and a touch of brightness. For an extra burst of flavor, consider a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a few cracklings of fresh black pepper on top. These simple touches raise the dish’s presentation and flavor profile instantly.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so lighter side dishes complement it perfectly. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or green beans provide refreshing balance. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also pairs well, perfect for mopping up any remaining buttery sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the steak bites nestled on the creamy shell pasta in warm, wide shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or plate it elegantly with the pasta twirled in the center and steak bites arranged on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can add a sophisticated flair for special occasions without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the steak bites are cooked medium to medium-well, refrigeration keeps them tender but safe to enjoy later without drying out.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce, which can separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze steak bites and pasta separately if needed, then reheat and combine freshly to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can unevenly heat the steak and cause the cream sauce to break. This approach keeps the steak juicy and the pasta sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye, flank, or even filet mignon cubes for a different texture or richness. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the pasta sauce?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, cashew cream or coconut cream can work but will change the flavor profile.
Can I prepare the steak bites ahead of time?
You can prep the steak cubes by cutting and seasoning them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. However, cooking steak bites fresh just before combining with the pasta sauce yields the best texture and flavor.
What kind of pasta works best besides shells?
Shell pasta is perfect for catching creamy sauce, but small pasta shapes like orecchiette, penne, or tortellini also work wonderfully with this recipe.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in some hot sauce with the cream to give the dish a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the savory garlic butter flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those comforting dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s approachable enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, offering a perfect balance of juicy steak and indulgent creamy sauce. Don’t hesitate to try it out — I promise it will become a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shell Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection in garlic butter and fresh thyme, combined with shell pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make skillet meal delivers a perfect balance of savory and creamy textures, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta cooking water for later use, and set the pasta aside.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed sirloin steak, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear the steak for 4 to 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides and achieve your preferred doneness. Remove the cooked steak bites from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Thyme: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic releases its fragrance but does not burn. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to infuse their flavor.
- Prepare the Creamy Pasta Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Steak with Pasta: Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss to incorporate them with the pasta and sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh note.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak bites alongside the creamy shell pasta and enjoy immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Use a well-marbled sirloin steak for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water because it helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Do not overcook the garlic in the butter to avoid bitterness.
- Parmesan cheese adds saltiness—taste before adding extra salt.
- Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal aroma; dried thyme can be substituted but use less.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
