Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

this Recipe

First off, thank you so much for being here! It truly warms my heart that you’re taking a little time out of your day to dive into some good food with me. Today’s recipe, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells, is everything we love — rich, savory, comforting, and unbelievably easy to throw together. Right after just one bite, you’ll be wondering where this has been all your life!

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What Are Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells?

Picture this: juicy, tender steak bites seared to perfection in garlicky, buttery goodness, paired with a lusciously creamy, cheesy pasta that hugs every shell. That’s what today’s magic is all about! It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for date night but is simple enough for a Tuesday when you just want something special.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this dish:

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes!
• Flavor-packed: Every bite bursts with garlicky, buttery steak and cheesy pasta goodness.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or even meal prep.
• Crowd-pleaser: Picky eaters and foodies alike will clean their plates!

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!!

What Does It Taste Like?

The steak bites are outrageously juicy and buttery, with little crispy edges kissed by garlic. The creamy Parmesan shells are silky and rich, with just the right cheesy bite. Together? Absolute perfection. The smell when this is sizzling on your stovetop — I’m telling you — it’s almost too good to handle!!

Benefits of This Recipe

• One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup (yes, please!).
• Protein-packed and satisfying: Keep everyone full and happy.
• Customizable: Swap in different proteins or add veggies if you want.
• Restaurant quality at home: Save money and impress yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

• 8 ounces small pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Heavy skillet (preferably cast iron)
• Medium saucepan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Steak cuts: You can use ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin if you’re feeling fancy.
• Cheeses: Add a mix of mozzarella or fontina to the shells for extra creaminess.
• Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to sneak in some greens.
• Milk: Use half-and-half for an extra decadent sauce!

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

1. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the steak bites: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for about 2 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!). Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the buttery goodness.
4. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and keep whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and silky.
5. Toss it all together: Add the cooked shells into the Parmesan sauce and stir to coat evenly.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy shells and pile those garlicky steak bites right on top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic bread (because carbs on carbs is a love language)
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Tips for Making the Best Steak Bites

• Dry the steak well before searing — moisture = steaming, not searing!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — you want that beautiful crust.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts so much better and gives a richer flavor.
• Taste and season as you go — it’s the key to restaurant-level deliciousness!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze the steak bites separately for up to 2 months. (The pasta sauce doesn’t freeze as well.)

General Information

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings and is perfect for cozy family dinners or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd — trust me, no one will mind!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even macaroni would all work beautifully here.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the steak bites and sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently when ready to serve. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce!

Conclusion

If you’ve been craving a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and just downright impressive without needing hours in the kitchen, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is your answer. It’s a total game-changer for weeknights or whenever you want a little extra joy on your plate. Plus, it’s basically guaranteed to make you look like a total rockstar at the dinner table!

If you loved this recipe, you might also want to check out:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken
• Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

I’d absolutely LOVE to see your creations — don’t forget to leave a review below and share your beautiful plates on Pinterest! Let’s keep the deliciousness going!!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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