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.