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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Tender steak bites served over shell pasta coated in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce, making for a decadent yet easy-to-make meal perfect for dinner.

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

Shell Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
  2. Season Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry to remove moisture. Season generously with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.
  3. Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces in a single layer, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak bites and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, gently tossing to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
  7. Combine and Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top it with seared steak bites along with any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use steak cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for best results.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps in thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
  • Do not overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for best melting and flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness but it is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, easy dinner recipe, creamy pasta, skillet steak, Parmesan pasta sauce