Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Shell Pasta

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Shell Pasta: 3 Sensational Steps

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Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Shell Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that feels special but comes together in just 25 minutes. Juicy sirloin steak cubes sear in a garlic-thyme butter, then cuddle up with tender shell pasta bathed in a luscious, Parmesan-studded cream sauce. The first time I tried this recipe, I was racing the clock after work, hungry and eager to impress. With a quick chop of garlic and a few simple seasonings, my skillet filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling beef and melted butter.

As the pasta boiled and the steak browned, I whisked the cream and cheese into the leftover pan juices. The sauce came together in seconds, smooth and glossy. By the time I returned the steak to the pan, everything was coated in a velvety, flavorful blanket. My family gathered around, forks in hand, marveling at how such simple steps yielded a dish fit for a restaurant. This one-pan wonder cuts down on dishes and cranks up the flavor—perfect for busy cooks who crave a truly comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Prep & Cook: Ready in 25 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Rich & Flavorful: Garlic butter, fresh thyme, and Parmesan create a deep, savory profile.
  • One-Pan Ease: Steak and sauce all cook in the same skillet; minimal cleanup.
  • Balanced Comfort: Protein-rich steak meets creamy pasta for a satisfying meal.
  • Family Favorite: Mild enough for kids, yet sophisticated enough for grown-ups.

Ingredients

  • Steak Bites
    • 1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1″ cubes
    • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
    • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Parmesan Shell Pasta
    • 8 oz (225 g) shell pasta
    • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
    • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 Tbsp butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
    • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Add shell pasta and cook until firm but tender (al dente), about 8–10 minutes.
    • Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta cooking water; set both aside.
  2. Sear the Steak Bites
    • Pat steak cubes dry. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add steak cubes in a single layer. Let sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a crust.
    • Stir occasionally and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes total.
    • Transfer steak bites to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Build the Garlic Butter Base
    • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter.
    • Once melted, sauté 4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant.
    • Add fresh thyme leaves; stir briefly (about 30 seconds) to infuse the butter.
  4. Create the Cream Sauce
    • Lower heat to low. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
    • Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
    • If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until smooth.
  5. Combine & Warm Through
    • Add drained shell pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each shell in the creamy sauce.
    • Return steak bites to the skillet. Stir carefully to coat the meat and pasta evenly.
    • Cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat everything through.
  6. Garnish & Serve
    • Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if needed.
    • Serve immediately, scooping generous portions of steak and pasta onto plates.

Serving Suggestions

  • Green Veggie Side: Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach add a fresh contrast.
  • Crispy Bread: Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up every drop of sauce.
  • Light Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
  • Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel) complements the steak.
  • Dessert Idea: Finish with a light fruit sorbet for a refreshing end to the meal.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
    Absolutely—ribeye or strip steak work well. Just adjust cook time based on thickness.
  2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
    Substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a splash of cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
  3. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
    Keep heat low when adding cream and stir gently. Don’t let it boil vigorously.
  4. Can I prep components ahead?
    Cook pasta and sear steak bites up to a day in advance. Reheat and finish the sauce before serving.
  5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your smoked paprika and other seasonings have no added gluten.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4)

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg

Recipe Tips

  • Pat Steak Dry: Ensures a better sear and deeper flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd Pan: Cook steak bites in batches if needed for even browning.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Its starch helps bind and smooth the cream sauce.
  • Fresh Herbs: Always top with fresh parsley (or thyme) for color and brightness.
  • Adjust Consistency: For thicker sauce, simmer a minute longer; for thinner, add more pasta water.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Shell Pasta proves that restaurant-quality comfort food can be yours in under half an hour. With tender steak, a velvety garlic-thyme butter sauce, and cheesy pasta, this one-pan meal impresses every time.

For more flavorful dinner ideas, check out Epicurious’ guide to pan sauces and Bon Appétit’s collection of creamy pasta recipes. Happy cooking—and enjoy every comforting bite!

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