Description

This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender, seared steak bites with perfectly cooked shell pasta tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

8 oz shell pasta
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Salt, to taste (for pasta water)

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Season Steak: Pat steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil 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 steak bites from skillet, transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to ensure all the pasta is coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the warm steak bites along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use a high-quality steak like ribeye or filet mignon for tender, flavorful bites.
Make sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
Adjust the pasta water amount to thin the sauce as needed—you want a creamy but not runny sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides the richest flavor—avoid pre-grated cheese if possible.
Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh burst of color and mild herb flavor.
This dish is best served immediately, as the sauce can thicken upon standing.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter alfredo, shell pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, skillet steak, garlic pasta sauce