Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender, seared steak pieces with creamy, flavorful pasta. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Step 2: Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 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.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 7: Plate the pasta and top with the seared steak bites, including any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites briefly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for added depth and nutrition.
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 milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this dish works well with various pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked properly?
Cooking time depends on steak thickness and your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, sear the steak bites about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer if desired: 130–135°F indicates medium-rare.
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Steak Bites with Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and satisfying dish featuring tender steak bites seared to perfection and served over shell pasta coated in a creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines the savory flavors of juicy steak with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making for a comforting and elegant meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
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
- 8 oz shell pasta
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)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors and promote a good sear.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a browned crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet, transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Slowly pour 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 pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the warm steak bites along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a high-quality steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak bites; they cook quickly and will continue to cook slightly after removing from heat.
- If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of reserved pasta water or cook the sauce a bit longer before adding pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated and results in a smoother sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet steak, Parmesan cream sauce
