Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells Recipe

There are few things more deeply satisfying than a well-seared piece of steak. Add a sizzling garlic butter glaze and pair it with a bowl of ultra-creamy, smoky, chipotle-spiked white cheddar shells, and you have a dish that doesn’t just comfort—it captivates. This isn’t just dinner. It’s a full sensory experience. The sound of steak bites caramelizing in a hot pan. The aroma of garlic mingling with melted butter. The indulgent richness of cheese cloaking every shell pasta, balanced with the gentle heat of chipotle. Together, they create a duo that’s bold, balanced, and unforgettable.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is a recipe that checks all the boxes. It’s weeknight-friendly but dinner-party impressive. It’s rich without being overwhelming. It delivers the kind of flavor depth that tastes like it took hours—when in fact, you can have it on the table in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for two or looking to wow your guests, this dish brings together indulgence and ease in every bite.

This pairing brings the best of two culinary worlds together. The steak bites are a celebration of simplicity: tender, juicy cuts quickly seared until golden-brown and then tossed in a bubbling garlic butter bath that coats every edge with rich flavor. There’s no long marinating, no grilling, and no complex prep—just quality ingredients treated right.

The pasta side, meanwhile, is anything but ordinary. Forget boxed mac and cheese or bland Alfredo. These shells are coated in a silky, homemade cheese sauce that combines the sharpness of white cheddar with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo. The result is a sauce that’s both comforting and complex—velvety, spicy, and slightly tangy, with layers of flavor that evolve on your tongue. The sauce hugs every curve of the shell pasta, making each bite luxurious.

This dish was born from the desire to combine steakhouse flavors with modern comfort food. You get the heartiness of a meat-and-potatoes meal, but with an elevated twist. The steak bites are rich and savory, the cheese sauce is bold and smoky, and together, they create the kind of dinner that feels indulgent without demanding hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its flexibility. You can use your favorite cut of beef—from sirloin to ribeye—or even try it with chicken or mushrooms for a different take. The chipotle white cheddar sauce can be adjusted to your preferred heat level, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of pastas. Want to make it ahead? Looking for a one-pan version? Craving a low-carb adaptation? We’ll cover all of that.

Throughout this recipe guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through both components of the dish, offering expert tips, timing suggestions, and plenty of flavor variations. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect steak sear, how to balance smoky and creamy in your sauce, and how to plate the dish like a pro. We’ll also cover substitutions, storage tips, and how to scale the recipe for a crowd.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight routine or impress guests with a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to pull off, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking at home can be just as exciting—and far more rewarding—than dining out.

Let’s get cooking.

Part 1: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Steak

Total time: 10 minutes

Start with a quality cut of steak. The better the meat, the more tender and flavorful your bites will be.

Recommended cuts:

• Sirloin (most affordable and flavorful)

• Ribeye (extra tender and marbled)

• New York Strip

• Tenderloin (for a luxury version)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs steak (trimmed of excess fat and silver skin)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or high-heat neutral oil)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Pat dry with paper towels. This is critical for a good sear.

3. Season generously with salt and pepper. If you have time, let the steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to temper.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. You want a crust, not a steam.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Total time: 6–8 minutes

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.

2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Do not stir for the first 1–2 minutes.

3. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms and the inside remains juicy. Remove from the pan and set aside, loosely tented with foil.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Total time: 2–3 minutes

1. In the same pan (don’t wipe it clean), reduce heat to medium.

2. Add the butter and allow it to melt and foam.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and optional thyme or rosemary, cooking for 30–45 seconds just until fragrant.

4. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.

5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Note: Garlic burns quickly. Keep it moving and avoid high heat once it’s in the pan.

Part 2: Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Total time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz medium shell pasta

• Water + salt (for boiling)

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.

2. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the shells. Set aside.

Why shell pasta? Their shape holds onto the cheese sauce, making every bite creamy and rich.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

• 1–2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder for depth

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Slowly pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in the shredded cheddar, a handful at a time, until smooth and melted.

5. Add the chopped chipotle peppers and any optional spices. Stir to combine.

Taste Test: At this point, taste and adjust for salt, heat, and smokiness. You can add more chipotle for extra kick or a splash of cream if it’s too thick.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Total time: 2–3 minutes

1. Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce.

2. Stir gently until all the shells are well coated.

3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

Part 3: Bring It All Together

Step 1: Plate and Serve

Serving suggestions:

• Spoon a generous helping of creamy chipotle shells onto a plate or bowl.

• Top with garlic butter steak bites.

• Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the pan over the steak and pasta.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of extra cheddar.

Step 2: Optional Additions or Variations

• For extra crunch: Add toasted breadcrumbs or fried shallots on top.

• For a complete steakhouse plate: Serve with roasted green beans or a crisp salad on the side.

• Low-carb option: Substitute pasta for roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli.

• Spicy lovers: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra chipotle sauce to the cheese mixture.