Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

This dish combines tender steak bites with shell pasta in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz shell pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer the steak to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Step 7: Plate the pasta and top with the steak bites along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites for 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce before cooking.
• If you prefer, substitute shell pasta with penne or fettuccine for a different texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best, creamiest sauce—pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and steak tenderness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon all work well due to their tenderness. You can also use flank or skirt steak if sliced thinly, but cooking time may vary to avoid toughness.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the steak bites?

You can substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables. While it won’t be the same protein experience, these options pair nicely with the creamy Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe

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This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender, seared steak pieces with a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with al dente shell pasta. The rich flavors from garlic, butter, and Parmesan create a decadent meal perfect for dinner that is both hearty and comforting.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Pasta

• 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz shell pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season Steak: Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet, place on a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Sauté Garlic: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
5. Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching the desired consistency.
7. Serve: Plate the sauced pasta and top with the seared steak bites along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use steak cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for tender, flavorful bites.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the steak bites to keep them juicy and tender.
• You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness but is optional.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter alfredo sauce, shell pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe