Save Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells—this is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights. Deliciously comforting, it brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in just over half an hour.
I first made these garlic butter steak bites with cheesy shells after a busy workday, and my family immediately requested them again. They were amazed by how those golden, garlicky steak pieces paired so perfectly with the extra-creamy shells.
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 (plus 2 tbsp for pasta sauce)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g) medium size
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g), grated
- Salt: ½ tsp (for cheese sauce)
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp (for cheese sauce)
- Ground nutmeg: Pinch, optional
Instructions
- Boil 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 steak:
- While the pasta cooks, pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear 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.
- 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.
- Finish cheesy shells:
- 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 This dish quickly became a family favorite, especially for cozy dinners and special weeknights. Sharing these steak bites brings everyone to the table with smiles and hearty appetites.
Required Tools
You will need a large skillet, saucepan, pot for pasta, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk, cheese, and butter (dairy), plus wheat (gluten). Check your cheese and pasta labels for potential allergens if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 34 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 38 g.
Save Serve hot right from the skillet for best results, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a finishing touch. These garlic butter steak bites with cheesy shells are pure weeknight comfort.
Cooking Guide
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin steak is ideal for tender, juicy bites, but ribeye or strip steak can be used for added richness.
- → How do I achieve the perfect sear on the steak bites?
Pat the steak cubes dry and cook them in a hot skillet with olive oil, searing each side 1–2 minutes until browned but still tender.
- → Can I add vegetables to the pasta shells?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach blend well with the creamy cheese sauce and add extra flavor and texture.
- → What gives the pasta shells their creamy texture?
A roux made with butter and flour is combined with milk and melted sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- → How can I spice up the garlic butter steak bites?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while sautéing infuses a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.