Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
If you love quick meals that taste luxurious, this recipe is your new favorite. Garlic Butter Steak Bites are juicy, tender cubes of beef seared in golden butter with fresh garlic and herbs. They pair perfectly with Creamy Parmesan Shells, a luscious, velvety pasta coated in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce.It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that comes together in 20–25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights while still giving you that “special dinner” feel.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
500g beef steak (sirloin/ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)
For the Creamy Parmesan Shells
2 cups small pasta shells
1 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
1 tbsp cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta shells and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter on medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in milk + heavy cream and let it warm gently.
Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.
Season with pepper, salt, and nutmeg.
Add cream cheese for extra richness (optional).
Stir in the cooked pasta shells.
Add splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel.
Season with paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Add steak cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
Add butter + minced garlic and toss the steak in the melted garlic butter.
Cook another 1 minute, then turn off heat.
Sprinkle with parsley and a few drops of lemon juice.
To Serve
Plate a generous scoop of creamy Parmesan shells and top with hot, buttery, juicy steak bites. Spoon any extra garlic butter from the pan on top!
Tips for Perfect Results
Dry the steak well for the best sear.
Do not overcook: steak should be seared quickly on high heat.
Add more pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
Health Benefits
Rich in protein for muscle support.
Garlic & parsley provide antioxidants.
Balanced meal with carbs, fats, and protein.
Parmesan adds calcium and flavor without needing too much.
Precautions
Avoid over-salting since Parmesan is naturally salty.
People with lactose sensitivity should use lactose-free milk.
Use fresh beef to prevent chewiness and food safety issues.
Heavy cream can be replaced with evaporated milk for lighter digestion.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites paired with Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of recipe that brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your dinner table—fast, simple, and impossibly delicious. You’ll want to make it again and again!