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
Scale
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.
