Dinner

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (opt for high-quality grass-fed beef for enhanced flavor); 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference!); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) for searing; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional); 12 oz medium pasta shells or any short pasta (gluten-free pasta can be substituted if needed); 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred for richer taste, or Pecorino Romano as an alternative); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; Pinch of ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

ByMatteo Rossi November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

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Introduction

Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Creamy Parmesan Shells make a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender steak pieces seared to perfection combine beautifully with velvety pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce. This recipe delivers delicious results in just 30 minutes.

The dish features two main layers side by side in a white bowl: on the left, there are numerous browned beef cubes with a slightly charred, crispy texture, topped with finely chopped green herbs; on the right, there is a layer of pale yellow shell pasta coated in a creamy sauce, sprinkled with cracked black pepper and green herbs, showing a soft and smooth texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz medium pasta shells or any short pasta
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Oil for searing steak
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Paprika for seasoning steak
Heavy cream (amount not specified in source, inferred as needed for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2: To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and additional garlic to the pan. Baste the steak bites with the melted garlic butter for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley if using.
Step 7: Serve the garlic butter steak bites over the creamy Parmesan shells, drizzled with pan juices for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of the sauce and steak.
Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
Try Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Make sure to pat the steak dry before cooking to get a better sear and avoid steaming.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the steak. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it.

How to Serve

The image shows a skillet filled with creamy pasta and pieces of grilled beef. The bottom layer has shell-shaped pasta that is light yellow and covered in a smooth white sauce with specks of black pepper and green herbs sprinkled on top. On top of the pasta, there are many chunks of browned grilled beef, which look juicy and slightly crispy on the edges. There is a light dusting of grated cheese scattered over the whole dish, adding texture and a hint of white. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, but you can also use ribeye or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness.

What type of cream should I use for the sauce?

Heavy cream or whipping cream works best to create a rich, smooth sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less creamy.