Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender seared steak pieces are combined with creamy homemade Alfredo and delicate shell pasta for an irresistible meal.
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
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 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.
- Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Step 7: Plate pasta and top with steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use ribeye for extra flavor or sirloin for a leaner option. Filet mignon offers tender bites but can be pricier.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but be sure to whisk constantly to avoid curdling.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce provides a subtle heat.
- If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried herbs like oregano or basil can offer a different but tasty garnish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times according to the package.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?
Make sure to sear the steak over medium-high heat in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side and remove from heat promptly to keep them tender and juicy.
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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A decadent and comforting recipe featuring tender steak bites seared to perfection, served over shell pasta coated in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. This dish combines the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked steak and pasta for an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal made easy at home.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz shell pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
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
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare Steak Bites: Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and promote a good sear.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove steak from skillet and transfer to a plate, loosely covering with foil to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Plate and Serve: Serve the creamy pasta topped with warm steak bites and any accumulated juices from the plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak; adjust searing time based on thickness and desired doneness.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch and helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk-cream mix, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak bites recipe, garlic butter alfredo, shell pasta, creamy pasta with steak, easy dinner, skillet steak, homemade alfredo sauce
