Save Tender juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter paired with creamy cheesy pasta shells is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
The first time I made this I could not believe how much my family loved it. The steak bites are incredibly flavorful and pair so well with the rich cheesy shells it has become a regular request for easy dinners.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g) cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp for steak 2 tbsp for shells
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
- Pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g) medium shells
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g) shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g) grated
- Salt: ½ tsp for shells
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp for shells
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Pinch
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare steak:
- While the pasta cooks pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil salt pepper and smoked paprika.
- Sear steak bites:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make garlic butter:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and any juices to the skillet toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Prepare cheese sauce:
- In a separate saucepan melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk stirring constantly until thickened about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg if using. Add drained pasta shells and stir to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve steak bites over cheesy shells garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Save We love making this dish for cozy weeknight dinners and everyone enjoys helping themselves to an extra spoonful of the cheesy shells. It's always a hit around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet saucepan pot for pasta knife and cutting board measuring cups and spoons whisk
Allergen Information
Contains milk cheese and butter (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Check cheese and pasta labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 610 Total Fat: 34 g Carbohydrates: 41 g Protein: 38 g (per serving)
Save Serve immediately for the creamiest sauce and juiciest steak. Enjoy every bite of this weeknight treat.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What cut of steak works best for steak bites?
Sirloin is ideal for steak bites due to its tenderness and flavor. Ribeye or strip steak can also be used for richer taste.
- → How do I prevent the steak bites from overcooking?
Sear steak cubes quickly over medium-high heat, about 1–2 minutes per side, to keep them juicy and tender without drying out.
- → What type of cheese is used in the pasta shells?
A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta shells nicely.
- → Can I add vegetables to the cheesy shells?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be mixed into the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce made for the steak bites?
Butter is melted and combined with minced garlic, then tossed with the seared steak bites and fresh parsley for a fragrant finish.