There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of creamy, cheesy pasta paired with tender, juicy steak bites. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta Shells recipe is a match made in heaven—rich, indulgent, and bursting with bold flavors!
If you’re looking for an easy yet restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this one’s for you! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to get more irresistible recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & indulgent – The combination of garlic butter steak and creamy parmesan pasta is pure decadence.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile – You can swap the steak for chicken or shrimp and still get an amazing dish.
- Crowd-pleaser – This dish is guaranteed to impress family and guests!
How to Make This Recipe Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy this delicious dish with a few simple swaps:
- Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles.
- Use heavy cream and extra cheese to keep the sauce thick and creamy without needing pasta water.
- Opt for grass-fed butter and high-quality steak for maximum flavor and health benefits.
These adjustments will turn this dish into a low-carb, high-protein masterpiece!
How to Make This Recipe in One Pan
Want to save time on dishes? Here’s how you can make this a one-pan recipe:
- Sear the steak bites first and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add heavy cream, seasonings, and cheeses, stirring to create the sauce.
- Toss in cooked pasta directly into the sauce (you can even cook the pasta in the same pan with broth if using a short pasta like shells or penne).
- Mix everything together and top with the steak bites.
Less cleanup, same incredible flavor!
Can I Make This in the Air Fryer?
Yes! If you prefer an air fryer method for the steak bites, follow these steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the seasoned steak bites with a little olive oil.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Meanwhile, prepare the creamy parmesan pasta on the stovetop.
This method gives the steak bites a perfect crispy sear without needing extra oil!
How to Make This Recipe for Meal Prep
This dish is perfect for meal prepping because both the steak and pasta reheat well! Follow these steps for a stress-free meal prep:
- Cook the pasta and steak bites as directed in the recipe.
- Let everything cool completely before packing to prevent sogginess.
- Divide into airtight meal prep containers, keeping the steak and pasta separate to maintain the best texture.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Reheat the pasta on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Heat the steak separately to avoid overcooking.
Now you have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy anytime!
Kid-Friendly Adaptations
Want to make this recipe more appealing to picky eaters? Try these simple modifications:
- Use a milder cheese like mild cheddar instead of Parmesan for a less sharp taste.
- Cut the steak into smaller pieces to make it easier for little ones to eat.
- Skip the Italian seasoning if your kids aren’t fans of herbs.
- Add veggies in a fun way! Stir in peas, corn, or finely chopped carrots for extra nutrition without complaints.
This way, the whole family can enjoy this creamy, comforting meal together!
How to Make It Dairy-Free
If you need a dairy-free version of this dish, here are some great swaps:
- Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative for the cheesy flavor.
- Choose dairy-free mozzarella for that creamy, melty texture.
These simple changes keep the dish just as flavorful and creamy without any dairy!
How to Make This Recipe Spicier
If you love a little heat in your meals, here’s how to spice it up:
- Add ½ tsp of red pepper flakes to the steak seasoning.
- Mix in 1 tsp of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for extra heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier twist.
- Drizzle with spicy garlic butter before serving for an extra kick.
With these modifications, you’ll have a bold and spicy version of this classic dish!
Best Wine Pairings for This Dish
If you love pairing your meals with wine, here are some great choices:
- Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec complement the richness of the steak.
- White Wines: A creamy Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio balances the creamy pasta.
- Rosé: A dry Rosé offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For the best experience, serve your wine slightly chilled and enjoy every bite with a sip of your favorite pairing!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine juicy, perfectly seared steak bites, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, resting on a bed of silky, cheesy pasta. The parmesan and mozzarella make the sauce ultra-creamy, while a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning bring depth and warmth to every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Parmesan Pasta Shells:
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Essential Tools
- Large skillet or pan (for searing the steak)
- Pasta pot (for boiling the shells)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring the creamy sauce)
- Tongs (to toss everything together)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Steak: Swap sirloin for ribeye, filet mignon, or even chicken breast.
- Pasta: Try fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni instead of shells.
- Cheese: Replace mozzarella with white cheddar for a sharper taste.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
- Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta Shells
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta shells until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Season steak bites with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and slightly crispy.
- Add butter and minced garlic, stirring to coat the steak in a rich, garlicky butter sauce.
- Remove steak bites from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, pour in heavy cream and let it warm up for 1 minute.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toss the cooked pasta shells into the creamy parmesan sauce.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, and serve hot!
What to Serve with This Dish
- Garlic bread – Because extra garlic butter is never a bad thing!
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli pair beautifully.
- Side salad – A fresh Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
- Red wine – A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot elevates the meal.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites
- Use room-temperature steak – This helps it cook evenly and sear beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give each piece space to develop a good crust.
- Let the steak rest – Allowing it to sit for a few minutes keeps it juicy.
- Deglaze the pan – Add a splash of broth or wine to lift those delicious browned bits!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Reheat steak separately to prevent overcooking (a quick pan-sear works best).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, strip steak, or filet mignon work well for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but store the pasta and steak separately. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less creamy. Add 1 tbsp of butter to compensate.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the steak with cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta Shells recipe is pure indulgence! It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and rate it below! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Looking for more creamy pasta recipes? Try these next:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
- One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta
Enjoy! 🍽️💕
