Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce combines tender, seared steak pieces with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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 the shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the 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 the 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 to keep warm.
4. Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Step 7: Plate the pasta and top with steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate steak bites briefly in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
• Use other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle if shells are unavailable.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the Alfredo sauce for a vegetable boost.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce, though it may be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon all work well for this recipe. Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly and slice into bite-sized pieces.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Make sure to simmer the cream gently and add the Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added to keep it smooth and creamy.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

Juicy steak bites paired with shell pasta in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare Steak Bites: Pat the steak bites dry and season them generously with salt and pepper.
3. Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
7. Plate and Serve: Serve the pasta topped with the seared steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Notes

• Use high-quality steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Do not overcook steak bites to maintain juiciness.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated varieties.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• Make sure to pat the steak dry to get a perfect sear and prevent steaming.

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, skillet dinner, easy dinner recipe