Garlic butter steak bites and shell pasta with parmesan cream

That sounds amazing — buttery, garlicky steak bites with creamy Parmesan shell pasta make the ultimate comfort meal 🍝🥩✨

Here’s a restaurant-quality recipe that’s still easy enough for a weeknight dinner:

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🥩 Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Shell Pasta

🧂 Ingredients

For the steak bites:

• 1 lb (450 g) sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Parmesan cream shell pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) medium shell pasta
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for depth
• Optional: ½ cup reserved pasta water for thinning sauce

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🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

• Boil shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Cook the steak bites

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add steak bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
   • Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and medium-rare inside.
   • Work in batches if needed.
4. Remove steak to a plate.
5. Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic.
   • Cook 30 seconds, scraping up browned bits.
6. Return steak to the pan, toss to coat in garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley.
   • Keep warm while you make the pasta.

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3. Make the Parmesan cream sauce

1. In a separate pan (or the same one wiped clean), melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
6. Add cooked shell pasta and toss to coat.
   • If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water until silky.

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4. Combine & serve

• Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter steak bites.
• Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the steak pan over everything.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

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🍷 Serving Tips

• Add a side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec).
• For an indulgent twist, toss some sautéed mushrooms into the garlic butter.

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Would you like me to give you a one-pan version (everything cooked in one skillet) or a fancier date-night version next?