Save Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells, make for a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made these garlic butter steak bites with cheesy shells on a hectic Monday and was amazed at how simple yet decadent the meal turned out. My family couldn&t get enough of the buttery steak paired with cheesy pasta, and it became a requested favorite for dinner in our home.
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 (for steak): 3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g) medium size
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for pasta): 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g), grated
- Salt (for sauce): ½ tsp
- Black pepper (for sauce): ¼ tsp
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Pinch
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prep Steak:
- While the pasta cooks, pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook 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.
- 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.
- Make 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 & Combine:
- 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 Making this together with my kids has become a fun weeknight routine. We love choosing different cheeses or herbs, and everyone helps stir the pasta or toss the steak bites with garlic butter.
Recipe Variations
You can substitute ribeye or strip steak for sirloin. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheesy shells brings extra flavor and makes the dish even heartier.
Allergen Advice
This recipe includes milk, cheese, butter, and wheat. Double-check cheese and pasta labels for any additional allergens before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat well, making this a great choice for meal prep.
Save This is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in one pan and tastes restaurant-quality. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak can also be used for richer taste.
- → How do you prevent steak bites from overcooking?
Sear the steak quickly over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side, removing them while still slightly pink inside to keep them juicy.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta for the cheesy shells?
Yes, medium pasta shells are ideal for holding the sauce, but other shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini will work as well.
- → How is the cheese sauce thickened?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk until thickened before adding cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- → What are good flavor additions for this meal?
Try incorporating sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for extra depth and heat.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftover steak bites and cheesy shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to retain moisture.