Save Tender juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter paired with creamy cheesy pasta shells make for a quick and satisfying meal that's ideal for busy weeknights.
I first made this for a casual Friday dinner and was surprised how quickly everything came together. The garlic butter and cheesy shells were a huge hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter (for steak): 3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Medium pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for pasta): 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g), grated
- Salt (for pasta): ½ tsp
- Black pepper (for pasta): ¼ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: Pinch (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and sear steak:
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make garlic butter sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant while scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and any juices to the skillet toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Prepare cheesy shells:
- In a separate saucepan melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk stirring constantly until thickened about 3–4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg if using. Add drained pasta shells and stir to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve steak bites over cheesy shells garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Save This recipe is now a requested favorite for family celebrations or lazy Sunday evenings. We love gathering around the table sharing extra cheesy shells.
Required Tools
Large skillet sauce pan pot knife cutting board measuring cups and spoons whisk
Allergen Information
Contains milk cheese butter (dairy) and wheat (gluten) check cheese and pasta labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 610 total fat 34 g carbohydrates 41 g protein 38 g
Save This steak and shells dinner proves weeknight comfort can be super easy and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy leftovers reheated the next day.
Common Questions
- → What cut of steak works best for bite-sized pieces?
Sirloin steak is ideal for steak bites, offering tenderness and flavor when cut into cubes and quickly seared.
- → How can I achieve the perfect sear on steak bites?
Use a hot skillet with a single layer of steak cubes, searing each side 1–2 minutes until browned but still juicy.
- → What cheeses are used in the creamy pasta sauce?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses create a rich and smooth sauce coating the pasta shells.
- → Can I add vegetables to the pasta for extra flavor?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach complement the cheesy pasta well and add a fresh element.
- → How do I incorporate garlic flavor into the steak bites?
Garlic is minced and sautéed in butter, then tossed with the cooked steak bites for a fragrant, rich coating.