Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta

🧄 Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta 🥩🧀

Comfort food meets gourmet in this sizzling weeknight dinner!

Tender steak bites, seared to perfection and bathed in garlic butter, served with rich and velvety cheesy shell pasta… This is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table quiet (except for the sounds of happy chewing). Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or indulging in some much-needed comfort food, this combo delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
• Grated parmesan, for garnish

For the Creamy Garlic Cheese Shells:

• 2 cups medium shell pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and white cheddar blend
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

🔪 Instructions

1. Make the Creamy Shells Pasta:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in the cooked shell pasta and stir to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley. Set aside, covered.

2. Cook the Steak Bites:

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works great) over high heat.
3. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until a deep brown crust forms.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, and baste the steak with the garlicky butter for about 1 more minute.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and a generous pinch of grated Parmesan.

3. Plate & Serve:

• Spoon the creamy garlic shells onto plates and top (or serve alongside) the juicy steak bites.
• Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the pan over the steak for an added punch of flavor.

🍽️ Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak — work in batches for the best crust.
• Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce or steak butter.
• Make it ahead: The shells can be made in advance and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

📌 Quick Info:

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: ~680 per serving (approx.)

🔥 Dish Name:

Garlic Steak Bites & Cheesy Shells Delight
Because nothing says comfort like buttery steak and creamy pasta — together at last.