Description of this recipe
This recipe brings together two absolute crowd-pleasers: tender, juicy garlic butter steak bites and luxuriously creamy parmesan pasta shells. It’s a surprisingly quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special, or for a weekend gathering when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The richness of the steak bites beautifully complements the comforting creaminess of the pasta, creating a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and customizable to your tastes. Don’t have sirloin? Use ribeye or even flank steak. Not a fan of shells? Penne, rotini, or even farfalle will work beautifully. Beyond its adaptability, it’s also a recipe that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The steak bites are perfectly seasoned and cooked to succulent tenderness, while the creamy parmesan sauce is undeniably addictive. Plus, the vibrant pop of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. This is a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation!
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
- 12 oz medium pasta shells (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out!
- Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooked pasta will become gummy when tossed in the sauce.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a perfectly emulsified and luscious sauce.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you want to cool it down quickly, as rinsing removes some of the starch needed for the sauce to adhere well.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This is essential for achieving a beautiful sear on the steak. Excess moisture will steam the steak instead of allowing it to brown properly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Feel free to add other seasonings you love, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat and add olive oil. The oil should be shimmering hot before you add the steak.
- Add the steak in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the steak from browning effectively. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Burning the garlic will result in a bitter taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. The parmesan cheese will melt slightly from the residual heat, adding a delicious salty and cheesy element to the steak bites.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt butter over medium heat. The browned bits left from cooking the steak will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring constantly, to adjust the sauce consistency. The pasta water will help thicken the sauce and create a beautiful, glossy finish. You may not need to use all the water, so add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every shell is generously coated in the creamy parmesan goodness.
- Serve the pasta with the garlic butter steak bites on the side or on top, as you prefer.
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy immediately! This dish is best served hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a perfect complement.
- Add steamed broccoli or asparagus for extra vegetables.
- Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the steak.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality parmesan cheese. Freshly grated parmesan is always preferable.
- Don’t overcook the steak bites. They should be tender and juicy, not tough and dry.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water or cream.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or the steak bites.
- To make ahead, cook the steak bites and pasta separately. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to serve, reheat the steak bites and toss the pasta with the sauce.
- You can also bake this recipe as a casserole. Toss the steak bites and cooked pasta with the sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra parmesan cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 850
- Protein: 55g
- Sodium: 900mg
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe is a guaranteed win for any occasion. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and relatively easy to prepare. The combination of tender steak bites and creamy pasta is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to make it your own. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different kind of steak?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices due to their flavor and tenderness, you can certainly use other cuts of steak. Flank steak, New York strip, or even tenderloin would work well. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may require slightly longer or shorter cooking periods.
Q2: I don’t have fresh parsley. Can I use dried parsley instead?
A: Yes, you can substitute dried parsley for fresh, but keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. A general rule of thumb is to use about one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs. So, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Fresh parsley provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but dried parsley will still work in a pinch.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Definitely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the steak bites. You can add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to the pasta for a heartier meal. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even grilled zucchini to the creamy parmesan shells for extra flavor and texture.
Q4: How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta if it has dried out slightly. Reheating the steak bites in a skillet is recommended to maintain their texture.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze this recipe, it’s important to note that the texture of the pasta and the sauce may change slightly after thawing. The creamy parmesan sauce may become slightly grainy. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The steak bites generally freeze well. Reheating in a skillet is the best way to get the steak bites back to temperature without drying them out.
