If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying and indulgent meal, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites. This mouthwatering dish combines perfectly cooked steak bites with creamy parmesan pasta for a flavor-packed experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving something rich and comforting, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a trending favorite for good reason – it’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter steak bites and creamy parmesan shells is a match made in heaven – bold, savory, and satisfying.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily make a batch and store it for later, making it a great option for meal prep and leftovers.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it spicier, with different herbs, or as a gluten-free option, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to win over everyone with its rich flavors and indulgent textures.
Ingredients Needed
To make Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) of steak (sirloin or tenderloin work best)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any dairy-free cream. Use dairy-free parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Lean Meat Option: Swap the steak for chicken breast or turkey for a leaner protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: While the pasta is cooking, season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat. Slice the steak into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta, mixing well.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a perfect, comforting meal!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Perfecting the Steak: For a tender steak, make sure to let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the steak with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh thyme or basil in the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can stir in some spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie-packed version of this dish.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites, here are a few more recipes that bring together the rich flavors of garlic, parmesan, and creamy sauces. These dishes are just as indulgent and sure to satisfy your cravings for comforting, restaurant-quality meals. Check them out below:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Easy Restaurant-Quality Recipe
- Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Each of these recipes brings something unique to the table, whether you’re in the mood for chicken, steak, or a creamy pasta. Try them out for a variety of delicious meals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can swap out the pasta shells for any type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, depending on your preference. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time, then simply cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein can be used as alternatives. - How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure to cook the sauce over medium heat and avoid boiling it, as high heat can cause the cream to separate. Stir gently and continuously to keep it smooth.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to try out this delicious and creamy recipe! Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more creamy pasta dishes on our blog – happy cooking!
Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Parmesan Shells with Garlic Butter Steak Bites dish. This recipe features tender steak bites cooked in a garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy parmesan pasta shells for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to treat yourself to something delicious.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb 450g sirloin or tenderloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz 225g pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives. Use dairy-free parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells.
- Lean Protein: Substitute steak with chicken breast or turkey for a leaner protein option.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Steak Bites:
- Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Slice the steak into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pasta. Stir to combine.
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
If you’re short on time, you can prep the steak and sauce ahead of time and simply combine everything with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
For a vegetarian version, swap steak with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
Don’t overcook the steak; it should remain tender and juicy.