Chopping garlic for the umpteenth time, I couldn’t help but think of how simple ingredients can transform any meal into a feast. What if I told you that with just a few basic elements, you could whip up Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells? This dish takes the richness of seared steak and pairs it with creamy pasta, making it an indulgent yet manageable choice for a weeknight dinner. Not only does it come together in no time, but it also impresses anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this delightful combination is bound to satisfy cravings and spark joy. Curious about how you can make this magic happen in your own kitchen? Why You’ll Crave This Dish? Simplicity at Its Finest: Just a handful of accessible ingredients come together to create a gourmet experience right at home. Indulgent Flavors: The rich garlic butter sauce combined with juicy steak bites elevates your pasta game in the most satisfying way. Quick to Prepare: This dish can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap steak for chicken or shrimp, making it customizable to suit your protein preferences. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a creamy, cheesy pasta dish! Serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal, just like with my Garlic Butter Chicken recipe! Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Ingredients For the Garlic Butter • Unsalted Butter – A key ingredient that allows you to control the saltiness of your dish. • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor boost. For the Steak • Ribeye or Sirloin Steak – These tender cuts provide juiciness and depth; feel free to substitute with chicken or shrimp for variation. For the Pasta • Large Pasta Shells – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce and creating a delightful bite. For the Creamy Sauce • Heavy Cream – This rich cream gives your dish a luxurious texture; light cream can be a great alternative for a lighter option. • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated adds irresistible cheesiness and optimal melting; don’t skip this one! For Seasoning and Herbs • Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance and round out the flavors; adjust to your taste. • Italian Herbs – Dried basil and oregano provide an aromatic lift; fresh herbs can add a vibrant touch. This delightful combination of ingredients will set the stage for your homemade Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells adventure! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Step 1: Boil the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the large pasta shells and cook them until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites As the pasta cooks, cut your ribeye or sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt half of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the steak bites in a single layer and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest. Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This garlic butter sauce will be the flavorful base for your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells. Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Next, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic butter. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it fully melts and creates a smooth, rich sauce. Season the mixture with your Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors of the creamy sauce. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Once your creamy sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked pasta shells and the seared steak bites into the skillet. Stir everything together until the shells and steak are well-coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells. Step 6: Serve and Garnish Finally, transfer the delicious combination onto serving plates or a large platter. For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top and add a garnish of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately, ensuring your loved ones savor every bite of this indulgent dish while it’s still warm and creamy. How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore the creamy texture of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells. Keep Separate: If possible, store steak bites and pasta separately to preserve their individual textures and flavors when reheating. Make Ahead Options These Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the pasta shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring it maintains its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy the dish, simply reheat the sauce on low heat, add a splash of cream if needed, and fold in the steak bites, which can also be seared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll enjoy an indulgent meal with minimal effort, making busy weeknights feel just a bit more special! Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Variations Feel free to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours with these delightful twists! Chicken or Shrimp: Replace steak with chicken breast or shrimp for lighter protein options. They will soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Vegetarian Delight: Swap the meat for hearty mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers to create a filling, flavorful veggie version that still satisfies cravings. Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or smoked gouda for unexpected flavor profiles—smoked gouda adds a lovely depth! Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach or kale right before serving for a pop of color and added nutrition. They wilt down beautifully and enhance texture. Heat It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple way to elevate flavors. Creamy Alternative: If you want something lighter, replace heavy cream with a mixture of half-and-half and Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that’s still indulgent. Herbs Variations: Try adding fresh basil or parsley instead of dried herbs to bring in a burst of freshness and aroma that compliments the richness of the dish. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts as a crunchy topping right before serving; they add an interesting texture and nutty sweetness. Just like with my Garlic Butter Chicken or Beef Garlic Butter, these variations keep the foundational flavors intact while introducing new elements that make every bite special! Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Meat Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to achieve the perfect doneness; medium-rare at 130°F ensures juicy, tender steak bites every time. Resting the Meat: Let the seared steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more flavorful bite. Pasta Cooking: Remember to salt your boiling water generously! This crucial step seasons the pasta and elevates the overall taste of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells. Cream Consistency: If the creamy sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it while stirring. This maintains a perfect creamy texture. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is delightful, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or smoked gouda for varied flavor profiles in your dish. What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells? Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, each bite of your meal enveloped in comfort and rich flavors. Crisp Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad filled with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the pasta, enhancing your dining experience. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color, making your plate look as good as it tastes. Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce, garlic bread provides a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft textures of the dish. Creamy Coleslaw: This tangy and crunchy side offers a contrasting texture to the tender steak bites and creamy pasta, enhancing the overall meal with its brightness. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites stuffed with cheese and herbs complement the indulgence of the main dish while adding a delightful umami flavor. Chardonnay or Pinot Noir: A glass of crisp Chardonnay or a smooth Pinot Noir elevates your dining experience, enhancing the rich flavors of the steak and creaminess of the pasta shells. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse is the perfect sweet ending, contrasting beautifully with the richness of your main course. Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Recipe FAQs What type of steak is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Ribeye or sirloin steak works wonderfully due to their tenderness and juicy flavor. If you prefer, chicken or shrimp can be excellent substitutes, providing you with different delicious options while keeping the dish equally indulgent. How should I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore the creamy texture and avoid drying out the dish. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells? Definitely! You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To do this, allow it to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop, adding a little cream as needed. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? If your creamy sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of the pasta cooking water while stirring gently. This will loosen it up without compromising the flavor. Just be sure to check the consistency and adjust accordingly while reheating. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? It’s important to note that this recipe contains dairy and gluten, which might not be suitable for those with allergies or intolerances. If you’re preparing this for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cream alternatives. Always check ingredients to ensure safety for your loved ones! How can I tell if my steak is cooked to the right doneness? Using a meat thermometer is the best way to gauge steak doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can press the steak gently; it should feel soft and slightly springy. Letting steak rest for about 5 minutes after searing helps keep it juicy! Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells Bliss Discover the indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells—a delicious dinner that impresses with simple ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 platesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Garlic Butter1 stick Unsalted Butter Allows control of saltiness.4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced for best flavor.For the Steak1 pound Ribeye or Sirloin Steak Can substitute with chicken or shrimp.For the Pasta10 ounces Large Pasta Shells Perfect for soaking up sauce.For the Creamy Sauce1 cup Heavy Cream Gives a luxurious texture.1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for best melting.For Seasoning and Herbsto taste Salt Enhances flavors.to taste Pepper Basic seasoning.1 tablespoon Italian Herbs Dried basil and oregano recommended. Equipment large potcolanderlarge skilletmeat thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook till al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.Cut steak into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper. Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with garlic butter. Gradually add Parmesan while stirring until melted and smooth. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.Fold in cooked pasta and steak bites until everything is well-coated with the sauce.Plate the dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
