Craving a restaurant‑quality dinner without the hassle? These Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Creamy Parmesan Shells deliver bold, savory steak flavors and a velvety pasta sauce—all in one skillet. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or one‑pan meals, this protein‑rich recipe balances tender steak cubes in garlic butter with tender pasta shells coated in a luscious Parmesan emulsion.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Restaurant‑Quality at Home: Achieve a perfect sear on your steak bites, just like your favorite steakhouse.
- One‑Pan Efficiency: Use a single skillet (plus a small saucepan for sauce) for minimal cleanup—ideal for busy cooks.
- Rich, Balanced Flavors: The garlic‑butter steak bites add umami punch while the creamy shells provide comforting texture.
- Complete Protein‑Carb Meal: Steak and pasta combine for a satisfying, protein‑rich meal that fuels your evening.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- 1 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp (1 g) garlic powder
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Cook the Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside. This creamy pasta recipe base ensures the shells absorb the sauce perfectly. - Prep the Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a proper sear. Season all sides with salt and pepper. - Sear the Steak
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Arrange steak cubes in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Sear without moving for 2 minutes to develop caramelized crust. Flip and sear an additional 2 minutes. Transfer steak bites to a plate. - Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Return steak bites to skillet and toss in garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat—your garlic butter steak is ready. - Emulsify the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and nutmeg, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. Lower heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth. This emulsion technique yields a silky, restaurant‑quality sauce. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add drained shells to the saucepan, tossing to coat evenly in the Parmesan cream. Season with salt to taste. - Serve
Divide creamy shells among plates and top with garlic butter steak bites and pan drippings. Garnish with extra parsley or shaved Parmesan for a finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- High Skillet Temperature: Ensure skillet is hot before searing to lock in juices—key for a simple steak recipe with perfect crust.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: Add Parmesan slowly to cream to avoid separation and achieve a stable, creamy pasta recipe sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd Steak: Cook in batches if needed—crowding traps steam and prevents crisping.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre‑grated varieties contain anti‑caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
Variations & Meal Prep Ideas
- Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms in garlic butter after searing steak for extra earthiness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a hint of heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store steak bites and creamy shells separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Toast slices for sopping up extra garlic butter and Parmesan cream.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside broccoli or asparagus roasted with olive oil and sea salt.
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe brings together protein‑rich steak and creamy pasta in a one‑pan meal that feels gourmet yet cooks up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hunting for easy weeknight dinners, simple steak recipes, or restaurant‑quality dinners at home, this dish delivers bold flavor, effortless prep, and maximum comfort. Serve it up tonight for a deliciously elevated meal that everyone will love.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Total Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 3 g
FAQ
Q: Can I use flank or ribeye instead of sirloin?
A: Yes. Flank steak and ribeye both work well. Adjust searing time based on thickness—ribeye may require slightly longer.
Q: How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
A: Keep heat moderate when adding cheese, and whisk continuously. High heat or rapid addition can cause separation.
Q: Can I make this gluten‑free?
A: Substitute gluten‑free pasta shells and ensure your Parmesan is labeled gluten‑free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten‑free.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate Separately: Store steak bites and creamy shells in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm steak bites in a skillet over medium heat and gently reheat pasta in a saucepan with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The cream sauce can separate upon freezing and thawing, so best to enjoy fresh.
Final Thoughts
This one‑pan meal of Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells brings together bold steakhouse flavors and rich, homemade pasta sauce for an effortless easy weeknight dinner or impressive date night meal. Its protein‑rich components and balanced textures make it as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Bookmark this recipe for your next culinary adventure—your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, you nailed a restaurant‑quality dish in under 30 minutes. Enjoy!