Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a dish that delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Tender, juicy steak pieces are seared to perfection, then tossed with buttery shell pasta coated in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce. The result? A restaurant-quality meal you can whip up right at home. I first made this when I had leftover steak and some pasta shells—and it turned out so good that now it’s one of my signature dishes. The buttery sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, perfectly complements the richness of the steak. I once added a handful of spinach for a pop of color, and it balanced the dish beautifully. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this pasta dish is the definition of indulgence done right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is luxurious, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The bite-sized steak pieces cook quickly, keeping them juicy, while the shell pasta catches every drop of creamy Alfredo goodness. The garlic butter sauce adds depth and richness without overpowering the beef. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you crave something hearty and elegant. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder with simple ingredients and a big payoff in flavor.
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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce – Rich, Savory, and Utterly Indulgent
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is a rich, restaurant-quality dish featuring tender seared steak bites tossed with shell pasta in a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce — a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces medium shell pasta
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Return the steak bites to the pan and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For extra richness, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of truffle oil.
- Use ribeye or sirloin steak for the most tender results.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared and Simmered
- Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin) – Cut into bite-sized cubes; tender and flavorful.
Medium pasta shells – Perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
Butter – Forms the base of the garlic butter Alfredo sauce.
Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic, savory depth.
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – The star ingredient that gives Alfredo sauce its signature flavor.
Olive oil – Used to sear the steak for a perfect crust.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning both steak and sauce.
Parsley (chopped) – Adds freshness and a touch of color.
Optional additions: Red pepper flakes for heat, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return the steak bites to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can overcook the steak.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Alfredo Steak Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta – Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Spinach Alfredo Pasta – Stir in fresh spinach just before serving for color and freshness.
Bacon Steak Alfredo – Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, indulgent twist.
White Wine Alfredo – Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra flavor.
Herb Butter Version – Add fresh thyme or rosemary for aromatic notes.
Cheesy Overload – Stir in mozzarella or Asiago for extra cheesiness.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are ideal—they’re tender and flavorful when seared quickly.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Can I make this with chicken instead?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs work beautifully in place of steak.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Don’t overcook—quick searing on high heat keeps it juicy.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and steak separately, then combine before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check your Parmesan for gluten-free labeling.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—broccoli, spinach, or peas complement the flavors perfectly.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and skip extra cheese.
Conclusion
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is the perfect balance of richness, comfort, and sophistication. With tender seared steak, buttery pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce, every bite feels luxurious. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to wow anyone at the table. Once you try it, this dish will become your go-to for cozy, satisfying dinners that taste like pure indulgence.