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

Scale

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