Save Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells: a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
The first time I made these steak bites with cheesy shells was on a rainy weeknight when everyone wanted something cozy. The quick cook time and big flavors made it an instant favorite around our table.
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: 3 tbsp for steak, 2 tbsp for pasta
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Medium pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g)
- Salt: ½ tsp for sauce
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp for sauce
- Ground nutmeg: Pinch, optional
Instructions
- Pasta Prep:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak:
- Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Steak:
- Over medium-high heat, add steak cubes to a skillet in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Garlic Butter:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
- Finish Steak Bites:
- Return steak bites and juices to the skillet. Toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Season:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir in pasta shells to coat.
- Serve:
- Top cheesy shells with steak bites and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Save This meal quickly became our go-to whenever we wanted something hearty that everyone loves. Even picky eaters cleared their plates and asked for seconds.
Required Tools
Large skillet, saucepan, pasta pot, knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, whisk.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy and wheat. Always check cheese and pasta labels for further allergens as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers about 610 calories, 34 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Serve hot for maximum creaminess. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave for lunch the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Sirloin is ideal for tender, juicy steak bites, but ribeye or strip steak work well as flavorful alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the steak bites from overcooking?
Cook steak cubes quickly over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
- → Can I substitute the pasta shells with another shape?
Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini can be used and will hold the cheese sauce nicely.
- → What adds the rich flavor in the garlic butter sauce?
Freshly minced garlic sautéed in unsalted butter infuses a fragrant, savory base for the steak bites.
- → How is the cheesy sauce prepared for the pasta?
Butter and flour form a roux, which is whisked with milk until thickened. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses melt in to create a creamy sauce.