Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Season Steak: Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
