Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells – Creamy Pasta Dinner Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells Recipe is the ultimate comfort food combination. Juicy, tender steak bites are seared in garlic butter for bold flavor, then paired with pasta shells smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for weeknight dinners, this dish is hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Saucepan for pasta and sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife + cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Colander
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin (cubed)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Alfredo Shells
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan shavings
Instructions
- Prep Steak: Cut steak into bite-sized cubes, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook Steak Bites: Heat skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then sear steak bites until browned. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In saucepan, melt butter, add cream, and whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Adjust thickness with pasta water.
- Combine & Serve: Toss pasta in Alfredo sauce, plate, and top with steak bites. Drizzle reserved garlic butter and garnish with herbs.
Notes
- Pro Tip: Rest steak bites before serving to keep them juicy.
- Variations: Add chili flakes for spice, swap Parmesan with Asiago or blue cheese, or add mushrooms/spinach to Alfredo.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- Serving Idea: Pair with garlic bread, salad, and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay.