Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce is a comforting yet elegant meal that’s quick to prepare. Tender steak pieces combine with creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.

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 shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
7. Step 7: Plate pasta and top with steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast iron skillet for better searing of steak bites.
• Swap out shell pasta for fettuccine or penne if preferred.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
• Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• If you prefer lower fat, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed to prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon as suggested, but other tender cuts like strip steak or tenderloin will work well too. Avoid tougher cuts as they may become chewy when cut into bites.

How do I keep the garlic butter Alfredo sauce from separating?

Simmer the cream gently without boiling it vigorously and whisk in the Parmesan gradually. Using freshly grated cheese helps it melt smoothly, and stirring continuously prevents separation.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and creamy dish featuring tender steak bites served over shell pasta in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines perfectly seared steak with al dente pasta coated in a luscious, homemade Parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Pasta

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

Sauce

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

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the steak bites along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use a good quality steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Be sure to reserve the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed for a silky finish.
• Do not overcook the garlic to prevent it from becoming bitter.
• The dish can be customized by adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet steak, Parmesan sauce