First, let me just say—thank you for being here. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just treating yourself (as you should!), I’m so excited to share this delicious, comforting, flavor-packed dish with you. This is one of those recipes—the kind you try once, then dream about for weeks. It’s rich, bold, and comes together quicker than you’d think.
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy and deeply savory, while the Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells are a little smoky, a little spicy, and absolutely silky. Together? A match made in weeknight dinner heaven.
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What Is This Dish?
It’s the kind of indulgent, steakhouse-style dinner that feels way fancier than it is. Tender, garlicky steak bites seared to perfection, nestled on a bed of creamy pasta shells infused with smoky chipotle and melted white cheddar cheese. Think mac and cheese—but all grown up and wildly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Done in 30 minutes or less
- One skillet, one pot – minimal cleanup!
- Restaurant-level flavor at home
- Perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory
- Makes steak night feel fun and approachable
Taste Profile
The steak bites are rich and buttery with a garlicky depth that makes your kitchen smell like heaven. The chipotle cheddar shells? Smooth, smoky, with a gentle heat that lingers just enough. Pair the two together and every bite is creamy, spicy, and dripping in flavor. Trust me—you’ll be going back for seconds.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High in Protein – thanks to sirloin and cheddar
- Customizable Heat – add more chipotle or leave it mild
- Crowd-Pleaser – even picky eaters dig into this
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Chipotle White Cheddar Shells:
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- No heavy cream? Sub half-and-half or use all milk for a lighter version.
- Can’t find white cheddar? Sharp yellow cheddar works too!
- Want it extra spicy? Add a spoonful of adobo sauce or an extra chipotle pepper.
- Need it gluten-free? Use GF pasta shells and make sure your adobo sauce is GF.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the Pasta: Boil shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Season steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear on high heat until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Make Garlic Butter: Add butter and minced garlic to the steak. Cook for 1–2 more minutes. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter with garlic. Stir in cream and milk. Whisk in the minced chipotle and bring to a low simmer.
- Add Cheese: Once the sauce is slightly thickened, stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Toss cooked shells into the cheese sauce.
- Assemble: Plate the chipotle shells, top with juicy steak bites, and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan.
What to Serve With This Dish
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta
- Roasted broccoli or grilled corn on the cob
Tips for Perfect Steak Bites
- Use room-temperature steak for an even sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Let the steak rest a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze pasta without the steak for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook the components separately and reheat just before serving.
What kind of steak is best?
Sirloin or ribeye both work beautifully—just make sure it’s a tender cut.
How spicy is this?
Mild to medium. For less heat, use just one chipotle or none at all.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells recipe is comfort food at its finest—full of bold flavor, comforting textures, and made with love in every step. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a weekend dinner party, or just spicing up your usual weeknight rotation, it’s sure to impress.
🔥 Hungry for more? Try these next:
- Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pasta
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Show Me Your Steak & Shells!
Made this dish? I want to see it! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me—let’s celebrate your kitchen wins. Don’t forget to leave a review below too!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 740
- Fat: 46g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 41g
- Sugar: 4g
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