Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Parmesan Alfredo Shells

Garlic butter steak bites served alongside creamy parmesan Alfredo shells make for a rich, indulgent, and satisfying meal. Juicy, seared pieces of steak are tossed in a savory garlic butter, while tender pasta shells are coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting dish I turn to when I want something hearty yet elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and flavorful this meal is—it tastes like something I’d get at a restaurant, but it’s easy enough to make at home in under 30 minutes. The steak bites are seared to perfection, full of garlicky flavor, and pair beautifully with the smooth, cheesy Alfredo pasta. It’s the perfect balance of bold and creamy, and it always feels like a treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the steak bites:

• Sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized cubes)

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic (minced)

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the parmesan Alfredo shells:

• Medium pasta shells

• Butter

• Heavy cream

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

• Garlic (minced or powder, optional)

• Salt and black pepper

• Nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warmth)

Directions

1. I start by boiling the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked, I drain them and set them aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the steak cubes with salt and pepper.

3. I heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to my liking. I remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, I add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. I return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter.

5. For the Alfredo sauce, I melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the heavy cream.

6. I let the cream simmer gently for a few minutes, then whisk in the grated parmesan until smooth and creamy. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.

7. I stir the cooked pasta shells into the sauce until evenly coated.

8. I plate the pasta and top or serve it alongside the garlic butter steak bites, garnishing with chopped parsley if I want to make it extra pretty.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. Prep time takes around 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes, making this a 30-minute meal.

Variations

I sometimes swap the sirloin for ribeye or tenderloin for an even richer flavor. For a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. When I want to add greens, I stir in baby spinach or peas into the pasta. For extra heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes in the garlic butter does the trick.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat. The steak reheats best in a skillet to keep it from getting rubbery—just a quick flash until heated through.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for steak bites?

I usually go for sirloin—it’s tender, flavorful, and more affordable than premium cuts. Ribeye or NY strip also work well.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I store it in the fridge and gently reheat it with a splash of cream or milk before tossing it with pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve used penne, fettuccine, and even rotini—anything that holds onto the creamy sauce works great.

How do I get a good sear on the steak?

I make sure the pan is hot and avoid overcrowding. I sear the steak in batches if needed and don’t move it too much while it browns.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free pasta and double-check that my parmesan and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic butter steak bites and parmesan Alfredo shells are a decadent combination I keep coming back to. The bold, juicy steak and silky pasta are a match made in comfort food heaven. Whether I’m feeding a family or enjoying a fancy night in, this meal never disappoints.