2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Reduce the heat and add the Parmesan cheese (and cream cheese if using). Stir until melted into a silky sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- 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
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a golden crust.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- 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.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add butter and garlic to the skillet. Let the garlic sizzle gently until fragrant.
- 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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