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