Introduction

This recipe for Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce brings together tender, seared steak pieces with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and elegant meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something rich yet easy to prepare.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce 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 the shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Pat the steak bites dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the 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 to keep warm.
Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Plate the pasta and top with the steak bites and any accumulated juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites briefly in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
You can substitute the shell pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store any leftover steak bites and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are ideal for their tenderness, but you can use any steak you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Al dente pasta is cooked until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Follow the package’s cooking instructions and taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time to check its texture.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

Delicious steak bites served over shell pasta tossed in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce, perfect for a hearty dinner that’s quick to prepare.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Pasta

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz shell pasta
2 tbsp olive oil

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
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak bites from skillet and transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add cooked shell pasta into the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with steak bites along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
Patting the steak dry before searing ensures a better crust and browning.
You can substitute shell pasta with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
Adjust the seasoning in the sauce cautiously since both Parmesan and pasta water add saltiness.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet meal