Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible dish I whipped up the other night—steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce! It’s a cozy, hearty meal that just hits all the right notes for me. Imagine tender, juicy steak pieces mingling with those adorable little shells, all coated in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. Trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven! This dish has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want something comforting yet indulgent. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my home, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking bites before dinner was even served! It’s perfect for a weeknight or when you’re entertaining friends. Let’s dive into how to bring this deliciousness to your table!
Ingredients for Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that dreamy, rich sauce)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (because we eat with our eyes too!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—this dish comes together quickly, and you won’t want to be scrambling around looking for ingredients while the steak is sizzling!
How to Prepare Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so easily, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Here’s how to make it happen.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your shell pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente—firm but tender. You want that perfect bite! Don’t forget to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to keep it from clumping—it works like a charm!
Making the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Now for the magic! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When it starts to get all bubbly and fragrant, that’s your cue to add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant—oops, don’t let it brown! Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken up a bit before whisking in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you have a creamy, dreamy sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Yum!
Combining Steak and Pasta
Now, let’s bring it all together! In the same skillet, add your cooked steak bites and let them soak up that garlicky goodness for a minute. Then, toss in the pasta, mixing everything together until every shell is coated in that rich sauce. Ah, this is where the magic happens! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and you’ve got a dish that’ll impress anyone who’s lucky enough to share it with you. Serve it warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy garlic butter alfredo sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
- Tender steak bites that add a hearty protein punch.
- Adorable shell pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or additional veggies if you feel adventurous!
Tips for Success
To make sure your steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Choosing the Right Steak: Go for a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this dish. If you can, look for marbling—that fat will add incredible flavor!
- Adjusting Garlic Levels: If you’re a garlic fanatic like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two! Just keep in mind that raw garlic can be quite potent, so taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of pasta water or a bit more cream to loosen it up. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up. You want it creamy but not overly runny!
- Tossing Technique: When you combine the steak and pasta, be gentle but thorough! You want every little shell to be coated in that luscious sauce. A good tossing will ensure even distribution of flavors!
- Garnishing Wisely: Fresh parsley is a must for a pop of color and freshness, but feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick, or even some extra Parmesan on top for that cheesy goodness!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious dish. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to taste along the way—it’s half the fun!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce, it’s good to be aware of the nutritional content. Please note that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. Here’s a breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep these numbers in mind as you enjoy this delectable dish, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to better fit your dietary needs or preferences. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While shell pasta works beautifully for holding onto the creamy garlic butter alfredo sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will do the trick—just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What cut of steak is best for this recipe?
I recommend using tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for steak bites. They cook quickly and remain juicy, which is key to making those bites delicious. If you’re on a budget, flank steak can also work well—just be sure to slice it against the grain for tenderness!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can! I suggest cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce separately, then combining them right before serving. This way, the pasta won’t soak up all the sauce, and the flavors will stay vibrant. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a little extra cream or butter to refresh the sauce!
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes, definitely! For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. You can also use less butter and cheese, adjusting to your taste while still keeping it delicious!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this mouthwatering steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce, you’ll want to store them properly to keep the flavors intact! First, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or a tiny bit of water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to life! Stir occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly. Avoid using a microwave if you can; it tends to make the pasta gummy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a great side dish to complement this meal.
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter alfredo sauce is a hearty dish that combines tender steak pieces with pasta in a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add steak bites to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use your preferred cut of steak.
- Adjust garlic amount to suit your taste.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, alfredo sauce
