Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells — A Restaurant-Style Meal Made at Home
If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that feels like something from a high-end steakhouse, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the perfect dish. Juicy, tender steak pieces seared to perfection and bathed in garlic butter are paired with velvety pasta shells coated in a rich, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the ultimate blend of luxury and comfort — and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Let’s walk through the process step by step.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells
- 8 ounces small pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a deeper flavor)
🔥 Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
- Trim and cube the steak: Cut your steak into roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Pat dry: Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture — this helps achieve a perfect sear.
- Season generously: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Rest briefly: Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly and stay tender.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add steak bites: Arrange the pieces in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Sear and flip: Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms.
- Work in batches: If needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and keep warm.
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