Description

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheddar Shells is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—juicy seared steak bites tossed in fragrant garlic butter and served over creamy chipotle white cheddar pasta shells. Bold, smoky, cheesy, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Bites:

2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder

For the Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells:

1 lb medium pasta shells

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for heat)

¾ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish: green onions, cilantro, extra cheddar

Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.

2. Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside under foil.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.

5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Return steak bites and toss in garlic butter with herbs and spices. Keep warm.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook briefly.

7. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.

8. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, then bring to a simmer until thickened.

9. Add white cheddar, chipotle peppers, and paprika. Stir until melted and smooth. Season to taste.

10. Toss pasta shells in cheese sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

11. Serve creamy shells topped with steak bites.

12. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or extra cheddar.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, use both chipotle and smoked paprika.

Searing the steak in batches prevents steaming and keeps them crusty.

Add pasta water gradually to maintain a silky sauce consistency.

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter steak, cheddar shells, chipotle pasta, creamy steak pasta, comfort food