Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
