Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Parmesan Shells
This dish brings together two comfort food favorites in one satisfying plate. Tender steak bites are seared until juicy, then coated in a fragrant garlic herb butter. They are paired with pasta shells wrapped in a smooth, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner that still feels special and indulgent.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 8 ounces pasta shells (conchiglie)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ to ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sear the Steak
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Sear the steak for about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your preference. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and any juices that have collected on the plate with the steak. Stir well and remove from heat.
Build the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter for the sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream, whisking to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream warm gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Gently fold in the steak bites, being careful not to overcook them. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Ribeye or tenderloin can be used instead of sirloin for an even more tender steak.
- Always cook steak in batches to ensure a proper sear.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and prevents a grainy sauce.
This garlic butter steak bites and creamy Parmesan shells recipe delivers bold flavor, rich texture, and comfort in every bite. It is a simple way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
