Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

This garlic butter steak bites and Parmesan Alfredo shells recipe combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible meal. The tender, juicy steak bites bathed in garlicky butter complement the creamy, cheesy pasta shells perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home.

I first created this recipe when my husband requested something special for our anniversary dinner at home. The combination was so delicious that it's now our go-to celebration meal when we want something indulgent without the restaurant prices.

Ingredients

• Beef steak: The star of the dish should be a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor
• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning level better
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Salt and pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavors
• Pasta shells: Medium shells capture the creamy sauce in their pockets for maximum flavor in each bite
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce – never substitute with milk
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the most authentic flavor and proper melting
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the steak:

Thoroughly pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.

Create the garlic butter:

In a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.

Cook the steak bites:

Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot garlic butter in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until deeply browned on one side. Flip each piece and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes for medium rare. The steak should have a nice crust while remaining juicy inside.

Prepare the pasta:

In a large pot of heavily salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. The pasta should have a slight bite as it will continue cooking briefly in the sauce.

Make the Alfredo sauce:

In a separate large saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.

Combine pasta and sauce:

Add the drained pasta shells to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat every shell. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Let the pasta absorb some of the sauce for about 1 minute.

Assemble the dish:

Spoon the creamy Parmesan shells onto plates or a large serving platter. Top with the garlic butter steak bites, allowing any excess butter and juices from the pan to drizzle over the pasta.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the entire dish just before serving. The bright green color and fresh flavor balance the richness of the dish and make it visually appealing.

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The garlic butter is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered by accident that letting the garlic infuse the butter for just 30 seconds rather than longer creates the perfect flavor without any bitterness. My family now requests this butter for everything from bread to vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but if you have leftovers, store the steak bites and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. The steak bites can be quickly warmed in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side to avoid overcooking.

Perfect Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can adapt it based on what you have available. Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of steak, just cook them slightly longer. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth. No shells available? Any pasta shape that catches sauce works well, with farfalle or penne being excellent alternatives. Vegetarians can swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms for a similarly satisfying umami flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Balance this rich dish with something light and fresh on the side. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For a more substantial meal, add roasted asparagus or broccoli which can be dragged through any extra garlic butter sauce. A glass of medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors beautifully for an adult dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the steak bites juicy?

Season the steak bites with salt and pepper, and ensure the skillet is hot before adding the butter and garlic. Sear the steak on high heat to lock in the juices.

→ Can I use another cut of steak?

Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work well for this dish. Choose a tender cut for the best results.

→ How can I make the Alfredo sauce creamier?

For an extra creamy sauce, use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from clumping, and avoid overheating.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the steak and prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve as a side with this dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus pair beautifully with this rich and creamy meal.