Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a deliciously rich meal that pairs tender, seared steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels both comforting and special.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For more flavor, marinate the steak bites briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.
• Substitute the shell pasta with penne or fettuccine if preferred.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover steak bites and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon all work well. Choose a tender cut for best results and adjust cooking time based on thickness.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?

Cook the sauce over medium heat and add cheese gradually while whisking to ensure a smooth texture. Avoid boiling after adding cheese, as this can cause separation.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

This recipe features tender steak bites served over shell pasta tossed in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. The juicy seared steak pairs perfectly with the velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for dinner.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak Bites

• 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce

• 8 oz shell pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: 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 the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Season the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
3. Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and spoon the seared steak bites on top along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use a high-quality cut of steak such as ribeye or filet mignon for the best tenderness and flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the steak bites; cooking time depends on your preferred level of doneness.
• Reserve pasta water is useful for adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer taste compared to pre-grated.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter alfredo, shell pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet steak