Indulgent, rich, and utterly satisfying — Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo is the perfect comfort meal that brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your table. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection and tossed with shell pasta in a luscious garlic butter Alfredo sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned. The pasta shells capture every drop of the sauce, while the steak adds a hearty, savory touch. I tried making this once with a splash of white wine in the sauce, and it elevated the flavor beautifully. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a weeknight family meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines everything you love about a steakhouse dinner and a classic Alfredo pasta — tender beef, creamy sauce, and buttery garlic. It’s rich without being heavy, elegant but easy to make, and absolutely satisfying. Each bite offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors, from juicy steak to silky sauce clinging to the pasta shells. Best of all, it’s ready in under 40 minutes and uses simple, everyday ingredients.
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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender, juicy steak bites tossed with shell pasta in a rich, garlicky butter Alfredo sauce. This dish combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the bold flavor of seared steak — indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 oz medium shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook shell pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season steak bites generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return steak bites to the pan and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak (like sirloin or ribeye) for the most tender bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak — work in batches if needed.
- For a richer sauce, add a touch of cream cheese or extra butter.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted broccoli or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye)
Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the juiciest results. Cut into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
Shell Pasta
Medium-sized shells are ideal — their curved shape traps the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly.
Butter
A key component in both the garlic butter and Alfredo sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and pairs perfectly with the buttery base.
Heavy Cream
The backbone of the Alfredo sauce, giving it a velvety, indulgent consistency.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds nutty, salty flavor while thickening the sauce naturally. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
Olive Oil
Used to sear the steak bites, giving them a caramelized crust without burning.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor in both the steak and sauce.
Parsley
Adds freshness and a pop of color as a final garnish.
Optional Add-Ins
A splash of white wine or lemon juice can brighten the sauce, while red pepper flakes add subtle heat.
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce. Return the steak bites to the skillet and mix gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Alfredo Version
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, hearty twist that complements the steak beautifully.
Spicy Kick
Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
Garlic Lover’s Edition
Double the garlic for a bolder, more aromatic flavor.
Spinach and Tomato Upgrade
Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color, texture, and added freshness.
White Wine Infusion
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine before adding cream for an elegant flavor boost.
Cheese Lover’s Twist
Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra creamy, cheesy Alfredo.
Herb Butter Finish
Top with a pat of herb butter right before serving for a luxurious touch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, strip steak, or even tenderloin work beautifully for this recipe.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to thicken it naturally.
Can I make this with chicken instead?
Absolutely — chicken breast or thighs work as a great alternative.
What type of pasta works best?
Shell pasta captures the sauce well, but fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni also work.
How do I know when the steak is cooked?
It should be browned on the outside and medium inside — about 130–135°F internal temperature.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, and stir gently.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, garlicky flavors beautifully.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Conclusion
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo is the ultimate comfort dish that combines creamy pasta and perfectly seared steak in one irresistible meal. With its velvety sauce, garlicky aroma, and buttery richness, it’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of savory steak and creamy pasta — a harmony of flavors that will make this recipe a repeat favorite for any occasion.
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