One evening, not long after my husband returned from tending the garden, I stood in the kitchen searching for a dish that could bring both comfort and richness to the table. The air outside was cool, and a hearty meal felt just right. As I glanced at the sirloin steaks in the fridge, I remembered how my son once joked that steak should have its own holiday. That memory made me smile and inspired me to prepare something satisfying yet cozy.
Cooking for my family has always been more than filling plates—it’s a way to weave together laughter, small stories, and everyday love. This dish was born on one of those evenings, with grandkids running about, asking if “Grandma was making pasta again.” I wanted the richness of garlic butter steak, but also the creaminess of pasta that always feels like a hug in a bowl.
As the butter sizzled in the skillet and the aroma of garlic filled the room, my daughter peeked in to sneak a taste, a habit she’s never quite outgrown. By the time we sat down to eat, the table was alive with chatter. The steak bites were tender, the pasta creamy, and each forkful felt like sharing a bit of warmth. It’s a recipe that now carries the sound of clinking forks, soft laughter, and the joy of togetherness.
Short Description
Savory garlic butter steak bites tossed with creamy shell pasta in a Parmesan sauce. A rich, hearty, and comforting one-pan dish perfect for family dinners or special nights.
Key Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pasta sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove steak bites to a plate and cover loosely.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in fresh thyme leaves to release their flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate generously and serve hot, letting the garlicky butter aroma and creamy sauce shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and Hearty: Juicy steak bites paired with rich Parmesan cream sauce.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, keeping cleanup easy.
Family Friendly: Perfect balance of comfort food and elegance for family dinners.
Customizable: Works with different cuts of steak or pasta shapes.
Crowd Pleaser: A dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the steak: Remove from heat once browned; it continues cooking slightly in the sauce.
Watery sauce: Add Parmesan slowly and stir until thickened before adding pasta water.
Clumpy pasta: Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil after draining to prevent sticking.
Too salty: Remember Parmesan is naturally salty; season cautiously at the end.
Burning garlic: Cook garlic over medium heat—burnt garlic turns bitter.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
For lighter pairing, serve with sparkling water and lemon.
Works well as a family-style dinner or plated individually for a more formal feel.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving steak too long; it becomes tough. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin work well for this recipe.
2. Can I substitute the pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives.
3. Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap with Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess.
4. How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing the garlic.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can cook pasta and sear steak in advance, but combine with the cream sauce just before serving for best texture.
Tips & Tricks
Pat steak cubes dry before cooking for better browning.
Warm the cream slightly before adding—it blends more smoothly.
Grate Parmesan fresh for the best flavor and melt.
Let the sauce rest for 2 minutes before serving; it thickens beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Mushroom Lovers: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the garlic butter base for earthiness.
Spinach Twist: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach just before adding cream for extra greens.
Lemon Herb: Add zest of 1 lemon and extra thyme for a bright, fresh flavor.
Spicy Kick: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add red pepper flakes for heat.
Seafood Option: Swap steak for shrimp, cooking them for just 2–3 minutes until pink.
Final Thoughts
As I set this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Shell Pasta on the table, I couldn’t help but notice how quickly the forks reached in. My husband closed his eyes at the first bite, savoring the garlic butter richness. The grandkids, though more focused on twirling pasta than conversation, finished their plates without complaint. Even my daughter, who claims she’s cutting back on heavy meals, asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this recipe had earned its place in our home.
Cooking has always been my way of gathering hearts around the table, and this dish proves how simple ingredients can create extraordinary memories. Every spoonful carries both comfort and indulgence, reminding me that joy is often found in the little things we share together.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Shell Pasta With Parmesan Cream
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil for steak
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil for pasta sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in thyme leaves.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.
- Serve warm, letting the garlic butter aroma and creamy Parmesan sauce shine.
