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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 25 reviews

A decadent and savory dish featuring tender steak bites paired with shell pasta, tossed in a rich and creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of perfectly seared steak with the comfort of pasta, making it an ideal dinner option for steak lovers seeking a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Pasta

  • 12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove steak bites from skillet, transfer to a plate, and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Simmer with Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all pasta pieces evenly. If the sauce is too thick, slowly stir in some reserved pasta water until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
  7. Serve: Plate the coated pasta and top with seared steak bites along with any collected juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • For best results, use a tender cut of steak like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for juicy steak bites.
  • Be careful not to overcook the steak; 2-3 minutes per side provides a medium-rare to medium doneness.
  • If the Alfredo sauce thickens too much, reserved pasta water is a perfect way to loosen it without diluting flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese, lending a creamier sauce.
  • This dish can be garnished with parsley for added color and a fresh aroma, but it’s optional.
  • Serve immediately as Alfredo sauce can thicken when cooled.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, seared steak, easy dinner, comfort food, Alfredo recipe