Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This dish combines tender steak bites with shell pasta coated in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner anytime you crave something indulgent yet simple to make.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 extra flavor, marinate steak bites briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.
- Swap shell pasta for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
- Use grated Pecorino Romano cheese as a sharper alternative to Parmesan.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain steak texture and sauce creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon all work well. Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly to keep the steak bites juicy.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?
Make sure to add the cream over medium heat and whisk in the cheese slowly. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously to keep it smooth and creamy.
PrintSteak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender, seared steak pieces with shell pasta, all smothered in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting yet elevated dish perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak and Pasta
- 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Prepare Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer steak to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the coated pasta, top with the seared steak bites and any accumulated juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to pat steak dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the Alfredo sauce thickness without diluting the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- Cooking times for steak may vary depending on cut thickness; adjust accordingly.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter alfredo, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet steak, easy steak pasta
