Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

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2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream.
  4. Reduce the heat and add the Parmesan cheese (and cream cheese if using). Stir until melted into a silky sauce.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
  6. Toss in the cooked pasta shells. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Keep warm.

3. Cook the Steak Bites

  1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a golden crust.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  3. Sear the steak cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook each side for about 2 minutes until browned but still juicy inside. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, then add butter and garlic to the skillet. Let the garlic sizzle gently until fragrant.
  5. Return the steak bites to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter. Add Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor if desired.

4. Serve & Enjoy

  • Spoon the creamy Parmesan shells onto plates.
  • Top generously with garlic butter steak bites.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the right cut: Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work best.
  • Don’t overcook the steak: Aim for medium-rare to medium; overcooking makes it tough.
  • Fresh Parmesan is key: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
  • Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli pair beautifully with this dish.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the pasta sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells recipe is the definition of comfort food: buttery, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve for a special dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a meal that will impress every time.

Would you like me to also create a one-pan version of this recipe (where the pasta cooks directly in the sauce with the steak)? That would make cleanup even easier.

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