Introduction

Steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce combine rich, tender beef with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare.

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 ribeye for more marbling and flavor, or filet mignon for a leaner, tender option.
For extra garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the pasta water.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetable boost.

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, any tender cut like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon works well. Just be sure to cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?

Make sure to simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are combined. Stir frequently and add pasta water gradually to maintain a smooth texture.

Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender seared steak bites combined with shell pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe balances succulent meat with indulgent cheese and cream, elevated by fresh garlic and parsley.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 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
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. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season Steak Bites: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear Steak: 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 steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Plate the pasta coated in Alfredo sauce and top with the seared steak bites and any juices accumulated on the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For the best texture, do not overcrowd the skillet when searing steak bites; cook in batches if necessary.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a smoother sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
Adjust seasoning carefully after adding the cheese as Parmesan is naturally salty.
Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
Feel free to swap shell pasta for other short pasta like penne or rotini if preferred.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Steak bites recipe, Garlic butter Alfredo, Shell pasta recipe, Creamy steak pasta, Easy dinner recipes