🥩🧄🍝 Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Shell Pasta & Parmesan Cream
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20–25 min
Total Time: ~40 min
🧂 Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
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1 lb (450g) sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)
For the Pasta & Parmesan Cream:
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8 oz shell pasta (or any short pasta like penne or orecchiette)
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1 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or nutmeg
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.
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Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sear the Steak Bites:
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Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season well with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
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Add steak cubes in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
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Lower heat, add butter and garlic, and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Remove from heat and keep warm.
🔥 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed to get a good crust.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
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In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Pour in cream, stir, and let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or nutmeg.
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Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. If needed, loosen sauce with a bit of pasta water.
4. Combine & Serve:
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Plate the creamy shell pasta and top with hot steak bites.
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Drizzle any garlic butter from the pan over everything.
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Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
🧊 Leftovers:
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Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
🔁 Variations:
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
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Make it spicy with extra chili flakes.
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Swap steak for shrimp or chicken.
Want a one-pan version, low-carb option, or something in the air fryer? I’ve got you covered!
