Save 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 these garlic butter steak bites on a busy weeknight when my family was craving both steak and comfort food pasta. The sizzling steak and melty cheese sauce were a huge hit at our table.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp (for steak) + 2 tbsp (for sauce)
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g) medium shells
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g)
- Salt: ½ tsp (for sauce)
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp (for sauce)
- 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 with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the steak:
- 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 and just cooked through. Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make garlic butter:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and any juices to the skillet, toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Make cheese sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Add drained pasta shells and stir to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve steak bites over cheesy shells, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Save My kids love scooping up the cheesy shells with bites of steak, and it always brings everyone to the table with smiles and hungry appetites.
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). Always check your cheese and pasta for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 610. Total Fat: 34 g. Carbohydrates: 41 g. Protein: 38 g per serving.
Save This is a perfect recipe for when you want comfort food fast. Enjoy every bite of these creamy, garlicky, cheesy shells with steak!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin steak is ideal due to its balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak are great alternatives.
- → How should I cook the pasta shells to avoid overcooking?
Boil shells until al dente according to package directions, then drain promptly to maintain texture.
- → Can I add vegetables to the cheesy shells?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach make excellent additions and enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
- → What gives the steak bites their rich flavor?
The garlic butter sauté combined with smoked paprika and fresh parsley infuses the steak with robust, savory notes.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter during cooking for a subtle spicy kick.
- → Is it necessary to pat the steak cubes dry before cooking?
Yes, drying the steak ensures a better sear and prevents steaming, resulting in flavorful browned bites.