Pin it Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells—a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
I first made garlic butter steak bites with cheesy shells on a rainy Wednesday when my family craved something hearty yet easy. The aroma filled our home and everyone gathered around the table in anticipation.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak, cut into cubes: 1 lb (450 g)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp (for steak) plus 2 tbsp (for pasta)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 4
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Medium pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 1½ cups (150 g)
- Parmesan cheese, grated: ½ cup (50 g)
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Pinch
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak:
- Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sautè for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and juices to the skillet, toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Make Cheese Sauce and Shells:
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Add shells and stir to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve steak bites over cheesy shells. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Pin it This dish quickly became a family favorite, with everyone requesting seconds. My kids especially love swirling the cheesy shells and chasing every last steak bite on their plates.
Required Tools
Large skillet, saucepan, pot for pasta, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, whisk
Allergen Information
Contains milk, cheese, and butter (dairy), and wheat (gluten). Check cheese and pasta labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 610, Total Fat: 34 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 38 g
Pin it Whip up this meal on a busy weeknight for quick comfort and happy smiles all around.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of steak is best for this dish?
Sirloin steak is ideal for tender, juicy bites, but ribeye or strip steak can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the steak bites from drying out?
Pat the steak cubes dry before searing and cook them quickly over medium-high heat to maintain juiciness.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Medium pasta shells work best to hold the cheese sauce, but other small shapes like elbow macaroni or orecchiette can be suitable substitutes.
- → How is the cheese sauce made creamy?
Butter and flour are cooked into a roux, then milk is gradually whisked in and thickened before adding shredded cheddar and Parmesan for richness.
- → What optional ingredients can enhance flavor?
Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter can provide extra flavor depth.