Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Parmesan Shells

Why You’ll Love This Quick Recipe

This dinner brings the wow with almost no effort. Juicy, golden-seared steak bites in rich garlic butter paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells — it’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together in 30 minutes or less. Plus, with just one pot for pasta and one skillet for steak, cleanup is a breeze. Weeknight luxury? You got it.

What Is This Recipe, Really?

Think of it as comfort food’s glow-up. You’ve got tender steak pieces seared to perfection in garlicky butter, and a simple yet luscious Parmesan cream sauce clinging to every nook and cranny of medium pasta shells. It’s cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy. Bonus: optional red pepper flakes and lemon zest give you the power to add a pop of heat or brightness — totally up to you.

You Only Need a Few Simple Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish sing:

For the Steak Bites:

• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

• 8 oz medium-sized pasta shells
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Fast Swaps & Easy Variations

• Try Chicken or Shrimp: Swap the steak for cubed chicken breast or peeled shrimp for a lighter version.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta sauce.
• Cheese It Up: Mix in a little mozzarella or white cheddar for a gooier, melty sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative for a dairy-free twist.
• Make It a Bowl: Serve over mashed potatoes or buttery rice instead of pasta for something a little different.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Boil the Pasta Shells:
   Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Steak Bites:
   Season steak pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter:
   Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Add steak bites back in and toss to coat. Turn off heat.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
   In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low until warm and gently simmering. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes and lemon zest if using. Toss in cooked pasta shells and stir to coat.
5. Plate and Serve:
   Spoon creamy shells into bowls or plates, top with garlic butter steak bites, and finish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Mistakes to Avoid (So It Turns Out Right)

• Crowding the Pan: Cook steak in batches for the best sear. Overcrowding = steaming, not browning.
• Burning the Garlic: Turn down the heat before adding garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Rushing the Sauce: Let the cheese melt gradually into the cream so it stays silky, not grainy.
• Overcooking the Steak: Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s done to your liking—especially if it’s ribeye, which cooks quickly.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days

• Use pre-cut steak tips or pre-grated Parmesan to speed up prep.
• Boil pasta while the steak sears for a multitasking win.
• Mince garlic and chop parsley ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Store leftover pasta and steak separately for easy reheating without overcooking.

Easy Ways to Serve It

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
• Add a slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to scoop up every bit of sauce.
• Serve in shallow bowls for that restaurant-style look with zero effort.

Make It Look Good Without Trying

• Garnish with extra parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan.
• Drizzle a tiny bit of leftover garlic butter over the pasta for a glossy finish.
• Serve in warm bowls or on a large platter for a cozy, shareable meal.
• Add a lemon wedge on the side if you used the zest—it adds a fresh touch!

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or even NY strip all work great—just avoid very lean cuts like round or flank.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Steak is best reheated briefly to avoid overcooking.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a large skillet and boil pasta in a big pot to keep everything cooking evenly.

Save or Print This Recipe

Pin it, print it, or bookmark it—however you save it, this is a recipe you’ll come back to over and over. It’s cozy, quick, and completely crave-worthy.