Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with creamy Parmesan shells is a decadent, flavorful dish perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner. Tender sirloin steak pieces are seared to perfection and basted with garlic butter, then served atop pasta shells coated in a rich, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce accented with a hint of nutmeg. This harmonious combination of succulent steak and comforting pasta delivers a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, ideal for family meals or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 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)
Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 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
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to slightly thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese and season: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time as needed to reach the desired consistency and coat the shells evenly.
- Prepare steak bites: Pat the sirloin steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Baste steak with garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter and additional minced garlic to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak bites continuously for about 1 minute to infuse flavor. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley for freshness.
- Serve: Plate a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan shell pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the steak for extra flavor and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To ensure steak bites are juicy, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing and let the meat rest briefly before serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftover steak bites can be refrigerated and reheated gently to prevent toughness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, creamy parmesan shells, sirloin steak recipe, easy dinner, steak and pasta, comfort food, quick steak recipe
