Garlic Butter Steak Bites Creamy Parmesan Shells Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is a delectable dish that marries the rich flavors of seared steak with the comforting creaminess of Parmesan-infused pasta. The tender steak bites are cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce, while the pasta shells are enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This combination offers a satisfying meal that is both indulgent and easy to prepare.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Flavorful Combination: The savory garlic butter steak pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

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• Quick Preparation: Despite its rich taste, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe uses common ingredients that can be easily substituted to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.

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Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Cook the Shells: Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. This will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and toss it with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta by about 1 minute—it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it heat until shimmering.

3. Sear in Batches: Add the steak cubes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.

4. Add Butter & Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic, and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

5. Toss and Coat: Stir the steak bites in the garlicky butter sauce for another 30 seconds before removing them from the pan.

6. Rest the Steak: Transfer the steak to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest while you make the pasta sauce.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using). Stir to combine.

6. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

2. Add Steak: Gently fold in the garlic butter steak bites, ensuring they are well distributed.

3. Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free Options:

  • Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

  • Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

  • Opt for dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

• Low-Carb & Keto Version:

  • Swap pasta shells for zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

  • Reduce the garlic butter sauce to lower the fat content.

• Gluten-Free Option:

  • Use gluten-free pasta shells.

• Extra Flavor Enhancements:

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the steak for extra brightness.

  • Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for added depth.

  • Mix in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for a twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of steak? Absolutely! Filet mignon, ribeye, and sirloin are all great choices. Just pick your favorite cut.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can swap the butter for olive oil and use a non-dairy cream like coconut milk for the sauce. Nutritional yeast is a great alternative to Parmesan.

3. What if I don’t have avocado oil? No worries! You can use grapeseed, peanut, or even vegetable oil—just something with a high smoke point.

4. How do I know when the steak bites are done?
The key to perfect steak bites is to get a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Cook each cube for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for a quick sear with a warm red center. A meat thermometer is useful here: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Avoid overcooking, as steak cubes can dry out quickly.

5. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate fresh Parmesan from a wedge. It melts better and adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the sauce.

6. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of flour to thicken, or evaporated milk. For a richer dairy-free version, try full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream blend.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the steak and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce and steak in a pan, boil fresh pasta, and toss everything together right before serving.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well will work. Try penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Shells are ideal because their shape captures creamy sauce in every bite, but it’s not a strict requirement.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

1. Perfect Steak Bites

For steak that’s juicy and flavorful:

• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. Cold meat doesn’t sear evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. This traps steam and prevents browning.

• Let the steak rest after cooking to lock in juices.

2. Cream Sauce Tips

• Simmer cream gently to avoid curdling.

• Stir constantly while adding cheese to prevent clumping.

• Use pasta water sparingly to control the thickness of the sauce.

3. Timing the Dish

The steak and sauce can be cooked simultaneously in separate pans if you’re confident in multitasking. Otherwise, start with the steak, set it aside, and make the sauce in the same pan. This also helps incorporate leftover steak flavors into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is quite rich, so pairing it with lighter sides balances the meal.

Side Dish Ideas

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce

Dessert Pairings

• A fruit sorbet or citrus tart to cleanse the palate

• Dark chocolate mousse for a decadent finish

Step-by-Step Meal Plan

Preparation Timeline (for efficiency):

1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Cut and season steak while water heats.

3. Cook pasta and sear steak simultaneously.

4. Drain pasta and reserve water.

5. Prepare sauce in the steak pan.

6. Combine everything and serve.

This method minimizes dishes and capitalizes on the flavor already in your pan.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

This recipe can be adapted for meal prepping:

• Store Components Separately: Keep steak, sauce, and pasta in individual containers.

• Reheat Gently: Reheat the sauce and pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water. Reheat the steak separately to avoid overcooking.

• Freeze the Sauce: The Parmesan cream sauce freezes well. Thaw and reheat slowly, whisking to restore its texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce is too thick:
Gradually stir in reserved pasta water or milk.

Sauce is too thin:
Simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in extra grated Parmesan to thicken.

Steak is tough:
Overcooking is often the cause. Cook steak quickly at high heat and let it rest before serving.

Cheese clumps in sauce:
Add cheese slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid pre-shredded cheese.

Steak doesn’t brown well:
Make sure your pan is hot enough and the meat is dry. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Customizing for Dietary Needs

This dish can be customized for several diets.

For Low-Carb/Keto:

• Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or steamed cauliflower.

• Use heavy cream and cheese as written—both are keto-friendly.

For Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute with roasted veggies.

For Dairy-Free:

• Use olive oil instead of butter.

• Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.

• Try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.