Garlic Butter Steak Bites over Creamy Parmesan Shell Pasta combines juicy, seared steak pieces with a silky, cheesy pasta that soaks up all that garlicky butter goodness. It feels fancy but is super easy to make — perfect for a weeknight dinner or an at-home “date night” meal.Here’s the full recipe 👇
🥩 Garlic Butter Steak Bites over Creamy Parmesan Shell Pasta
🍽️ Serves:
4 people
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: ~40 min
Ingredients
For the steak bites:
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1½ lbs sirloin steak, ribeye, or New York strip, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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2 Tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp brown sugar (optional, helps caramelize)
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1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the creamy parmesan shell pasta:
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8 oz medium shell pasta (or any short pasta)
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2 Tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup chicken or beef broth
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside (reserve ½ cup of pasta water).
2. Sear the steak bites
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Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (helps them sear properly).
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In a bowl, toss with paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.
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Add steak in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan.
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Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
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Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
3. Make the garlic butter
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
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Add 2 Tbsp butter and minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Return the steak bites and toss in the garlic butter to coat.
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Remove from heat and keep warm.
4. Make the creamy parmesan pasta
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In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
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Stir in cream and broth, bring to a gentle simmer.
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Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
5. Assemble & serve
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Spoon the creamy parmesan shell pasta onto plates or bowls.
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Top generously with garlic butter steak bites and a drizzle of extra garlic butter from the pan.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Add mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for a veggie boost.
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Swap cream for cream cheese + milk for extra richness.
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For a smoky flavor, use smoked gouda along with Parmesan.
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Leftovers reheat beautifully — add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Would you like me to give you a Cajun-style version of this (with a little spice and creamy Cajun sauce)? It’s insanely good too.
