Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to help them sear properly.
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
4. Add the steak bites in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan).
5. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned on all sides and slightly crispy.
6. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Toss the steak in the garlic butter for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tip: Cooking steak in small batches prevents steaming and ensures a perfect sear.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Add the drained pasta shells into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
7. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.

Tip: Keep stirring the sauce gently; high heat can cause the cheese to clump.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

1. Spoon a generous portion of creamy Parmesan shells onto each plate.
2. Top with garlic butter steak bites.
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor.
4. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste.

Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Steak Choice: Ribeye or sirloin work best for tender, juicy bites.
• Garlic Butter Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a deeper flavor.
• Cream Sauce Variation: Swap Parmesan with Gruyère or Asiago for a unique twist.
• Quick Clean-Up: Cook pasta and steak simultaneously to save time.

Final Thoughts

The combination of succulent garlic butter steak bites and creamy Parmesan shells is pure comfort on a plate. Every bite bursts with rich, garlicky flavor and cheesy goodness. This recipe is fast enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.

If you want, I can also create a simple visual step-by-step guide with pictures showing how the steak bites and pasta come together—it would make it super easy to follow like a professional recipe blog.

Do you want me to do that?