Description
Garlic Butter Steak Shells bring together tender steak bites seared to perfection and coated in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta shells. Bacon, peas, and herbs round out this indulgent, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing dinner guests.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
1 lb medium pasta shells
4 slices bacon, chopped (optional for smoky flavor)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: more Parmesan, chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels for a golden crust.
2. Season steak cubes with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear steak in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized. Set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
6. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Return steak to skillet, toss in garlic butter, and add herbs and red pepper flakes. Cover and keep warm.
8. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
9. In a large pan, cook chopped bacon (if using) until crispy. Remove and set aside.
10. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan and briefly sauté garlic.
11. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
12. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
13. Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper.
14. Add cooked pasta shells to sauce and toss to coat.
15. Stir in peas and cooked bacon (if using).
16. Plate the creamy shells and top with garlic butter steak bites.
17. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
Notes
Sear steak in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Bacon is optional but adds a smoky layer of flavor.
For extra richness, stir a bit of the garlic butter into the pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter steak, parmesan shells, creamy pasta, steak dinner, bacon pasta