If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and indulgent, look no further than this pairing of Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 40 minutes. Juicy, tender bites of seared steak tossed in a garlic butter sauce, served alongside pasta shells coated in a luscious, cheesy Parmesan cream—this dish has all the makings of the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Steakhouse vibes at home: Bold flavors without the expensive bill. Two dishes in one: Satisfying protein + creamy pasta side = perfect balance. Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour, but tastes like you spent all day cooking. Family-friendly: Both adults and kids will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into
1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
12 oz medium pasta shells
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper Salt, to taste Extra Parmesan + parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned but still juicy inside. Remove from pan.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Return steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Plate the steak bites alongside the creamy Parmesan shells. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the steak in batches for a nice crust. Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly. Upgrade the flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra depth. Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling on its own, but you can make it even better by serving with:
A crisp green salad Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli A glass of red wine (for the adults!)
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Parmesan Shells is a recipe that combines two timeless classics—juicy steak and cheesy pasta—into one irresistible meal. It’s elegant enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight family dinner. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.