Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta

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Introduction

This hearty Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta combines tender, seared steak with shell pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s an easy, restaurant-style comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and ready in about 35 minutes.

Prep Time

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 20 minutes
  • Total: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) medium shell pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook shell pasta until al dente.
  3. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

  1. Season steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Add butter and garlic during the last minute.
  5. Remove steak and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream.
  5. Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually, stirring until smooth.
  6. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine

  1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
  2. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Return steak bites to the skillet.
  4. Mix gently.
  5. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Finish

Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Tips

  • Use ribeye for extra tenderness and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the steak—it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 720
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg

Storage

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
  • Not recommended for freezing, as the cheese sauce may separate.

Enjoy this rich, creamy pasta with garlic butter steak bites, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

I can also create a polished recipe card image or a step-by-step cooking infographic for this dish.

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