Okay, friends, get ready for a dinner combo that’s about to steal the show. Picture this: perfectly seared, juicy steak bites drizzled with a garlic butter sauce that’s so rich and flavorful, you’ll want to pour it over everything. Now, pair that with creamy, dreamy parmesan shells that are smooth, savory, and irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in no time. Trust me, you’re going to love every bite of this!

This recipe is all about indulging in the good stuff: buttery steak, cheesy pasta, and the kind of flavors that hit every craving you’ve ever had. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just because you deserve something amazing tonight, this meal is your ticket to food heaven.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, and pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed veggies or a fresh salad.

Budget-Friendly: Affordable cuts of steak and pantry staples make this meal super easy on your wallet.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes yes, dinner is served that fast!

Customizable: Swap in chicken for the steak or use any pasta you prefer this recipe is flexible.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

We’re keeping things simple here, but the flavors? Oh, they’re anything but basic. Here’s what you need for the magic to happen:

Steak (sirloin or flank): Tender and juicy, the steak bites cook up perfectly when coated in garlic butter.

Butter: The secret ingredient for that rich, garlicky goodness. You can’t go wrong with butter.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that bold, aromatic kick to the butter sauce.

Fresh Parsley: For a touch of color and fresh flavor, parsley is the perfect finishing touch.

Shell Pasta: The curvy pasta that catches all that creamy sauce. It’s a match made in heaven with the steak bites.

Heavy Cream: For that rich, velvety sauce that makes the parmesan really shine.

Parmesan Cheese: The star of the creamy shells, adding that salty, cheesy goodness that takes the pasta to the next level.

Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce just enough, while adding savory depth.

Olive Oil: For cooking the steak and adding a bit of crisp to those seared edges.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for your pasta. While the water heats up, prepare the steak bites.

Cook the Pasta

Once your water is boiling, add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, but keep some pasta water for later it’ll help thicken the sauce.

Sear the Steak

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your steak bites with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook the steak bites for about 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally until they’re browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the steak. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

To the garlic butter, add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Combine the Pasta and Steak

Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked shell pasta and mix everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Finishing Touches

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and give everything a final toss.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the garlic butter steak bites and creamy parmesan shells warm, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you like. Dig in and savor every creamy, garlicky bite!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 570

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad
Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a perfectly balanced meal
Top with extra parmesan or red pepper flakes for an added punch of flavor
Enjoy with a simple green salad to cut through the richness of the creaminess

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use a cast iron skillet for a great sear on the steak and even heat distribution
For extra flavor, marinate the steak in a little olive oil, garlic, and rosemary before cooking
Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for a little depth
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce
Double the creamy parmesan sauce for extra richness because who doesn’t love more sauce?
Substitute the steak for chicken or shrimp if you prefer a different protein
To make it lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk
If you love mushrooms, sauté them in the pan after cooking the steak for an earthy addition

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, flank steak, ribeye, or even skirt steak would work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to make this dish fresh, but you can prepare the steak bites and pasta separately ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different pasta?
Of course! Penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta will work beautifully.

4. How do I get the steak bites crispy?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak, and avoid overcrowding the pan to get that perfect sear.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the creamy parmesan sauce.

6. Can I use low-fat cream or milk?
Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy heavy cream gives it that luxurious texture.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the steak and sauce separately, then reheat when ready to eat.

8. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture.

9. Is this recipe too garlicky?
The garlic is bold, but not overwhelming. If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try substituting the cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of meal that makes you want to hug your plate. It’s rich, satisfying, and the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tender steak. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to wow your taste buds and become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, cheesy, delicious bite!

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