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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings 1x

Description

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a comforting and indulgent dish combining tender seared steak bites with al dente shell pasta, all coated in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, the recipe balances the savory flavors of steak with a smooth, cheesy sauce enhanced by fresh garlic and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

  • 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until al dente following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and place on a plate; loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. Sauté Garlic in Butter: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
  5. Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water in small amounts until you reach the desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Plate the coated pasta and top it with the seared steak bites along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve while hot for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, use high-quality steak cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
  • Adjust the seasoning carefully, especially the salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
  • You can substitute shell pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/steak-bites-and-shell-pasta-in-garlic-butter-alfredo-sauce-recipe-2/