Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible dish: *steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce*! It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember the first time I made this; I was craving something cozy and comforting after a long day. I thought, why not combine tender steak bites with luscious pasta? The garlic butter alfredo sauce takes it to a whole new level! Trust me, this is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it’s a winner every time!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare *Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce*
This dish may sound fancy, but it’s actually super simple to whip up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that shell pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the 8 oz of shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! You want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Now, let’s make that creamy sauce! In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—around 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; you want it just golden! Next, lower the heat a bit and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Then, add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more cream!
Cooking the Steak Bites
While your sauce is coming together, let’s cook those steak bites! In another skillet, add your bite-sized pieces of steak (1 lb) and season with salt and pepper. Sear the steak over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned. You want that perfect crust on the outside while keeping them juicy inside—medium-rare is my favorite! Once cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat.
Combining Everything Together
Now comes the fun part! Toss your cooked shell pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter alfredo sauce, mixing well to coat every shell. Add the cooked steak bites and give it all a gentle stir to combine. If you need to add a little more salt or pepper, this is the time! Serve it hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a beautiful touch. Enjoy every bite of this rich, savory goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While shell pasta is perfect for holding onto that creamy garlic butter alfredo sauce, you can use any pasta you love! Fettuccine or penne would work great, too—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What cut of steak is best for this dish?
I recommend using a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for these steak bites. They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this recipe!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I love serving this fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and steak bites, and store them separately in the fridge. Just reheat them together with the sauce when you’re ready to eat!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems too thick.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli for a pop of color and flavor. Just add them to the skillet when you combine everything together for a delightful twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner on the table in just 35 minutes!
- Rich, creamy garlic butter alfredo sauce that elevates every bite.
- Tender steak bites that are perfectly seasoned and seared.
- Comforting and satisfying, making it great for cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta or veggies for added flair!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce* turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on seasoning—generously salt and pepper the steak to enhance its flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try marinating the steak for an hour before cooking for extra tenderness. Also, keep an eye on the garlic; it can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash! Finally, if you want a lighter version, switch out the heavy cream for half-and-half. Just remember, the key is to taste as you go—adjusting flavors is half the fun!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before diving into the numbers—nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these values are approximate. On average, each serving of *steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce* contains around:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy this rich and hearty dish, but remember to balance it with lighter meals throughout the week! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your *steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce*, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label the container!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or a bit of water if it seems too thick, stirring until heated through. Enjoy that deliciousness all over again!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Steak Pasta!
Print
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce is a rich and savory dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add steak bites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the steak and sauce.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use your favorite cut of steak.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Top with fresh parsley for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, alfredo sauce
