Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
A cozy, restaurant-style dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make. Tender steak bites are tossed in garlic butter and served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta shells.
🛒 Ingredients
For the steak bites
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Parmesan shells
- 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the shells.
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season the steak.
Pat the steak pieces dry, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the steak.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on size and desired doneness.
4. Add the garlic butter.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Toss the steak in the garlic butter for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Remove the steak from the pan.
5. Make the Parmesan sauce.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
