Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the bold flavors of garlic butter steak bites with a silky, cheesy cream sauce over pasta, making it both hearty and elegant. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. The tender steak pieces paired with the creamy pasta create a perfect balance of texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
• 1 lb beef steak, cut into small cubes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta shells
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, about 3-5 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and steak bites back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap beef steak with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder garlic taste.
- Incorporate a splash of white wine or broth in the cream sauce for added depth.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best for steak bites.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and pasta separately and combine with the sauce just before serving.
What pasta works best besides shells?
Fettuccine, penne, or farfalle are great alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to pasta. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well; it’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerate only.
How do I get the steak bites tender?
Use high heat for quick searing and avoid overcooking.
Can I add herbs to the sauce?
Fresh thyme or rosemary pair nicely with the garlic butter flavor.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness.
How do I adjust the sauce thickness?
Simmer longer to thicken or add a little milk/cream to thin it out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes along with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish is a delicious and indulgent meal that marries tender steak with creamy, cheesy pasta for a truly comforting dinner. Its simple ingredients and quick cooking make it a fantastic choice for busy nights, yet its rich flavors ensure it feels special. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, and enjoy a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish features tender beef steak cubes sautéed in fragrant garlic butter, served over pasta shells tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This rich and comforting meal combines juicy steak with silky pasta, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people
Ingredients
1 lb beef steak, cut into small cubes
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb pasta shells
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add steak cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked to preferred doneness. Remove steak and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add cooked pasta shells and steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Substitute steak with chicken or shrimp for variety.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use garlic powder for a milder garlic taste.
A splash of white wine or broth enhances the sauce depth.
Use half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free