Few dishes combine indulgence and comfort as perfectly as this Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce. Tender, juicy steak pieces seared to perfection are tossed with pasta shells that cradle every drop of creamy Alfredo. Finished with garlic butter, this dish offers the perfect balance of richness, texture, and flavor.
This recipe is versatile—quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a special dinner. If you’ve only tried Alfredo with chicken, get ready to fall in love with this steak-inspired upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home – A luxurious dish without the price tag.
- Flavor-packed – Garlic butter + creamy Alfredo + steak = unbeatable.
- Family-friendly – Pasta shells make it fun and easy for kids, while steak keeps adults satisfied.
- Customizable – Works with different proteins, pasta shapes, or lightened-up sauce variations.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish (serves 4):
For the Steak Bites
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz (340g) shell pasta (medium or large)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta shells until al dente (about 9–11 minutes).
- Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
- Pat steak pieces dry for the best sear.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak cubes, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy.
- Transfer steak bites to a plate; keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
- Toss cooked pasta shells in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Add steak bites back to the pan and stir gently.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Success
- Perfect Steak Sear: Dry the meat well and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Silky Sauce: Always use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly).
- Adjust Creaminess: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your liking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a light Caesar salad.
- For wine lovers: a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances the steak’s richness.
- For non-alcoholic pairings: sparkling water with lemon or iced tea works beautifully.
Variations
- Shrimp Alfredo – Swap steak for shrimp.
- Chicken Alfredo – Use chicken breast cubes instead.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute mushrooms or zucchini for steak.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
(Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of steak for pasta?
Sirloin and ribeye are the most flavorful, but tenderloin works well for a more tender bite.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well. Shells are great because they hold extra sauce.
3. How do I keep Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Simmer gently—never boil the cream. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the steak and pasta separately, then reheat with sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is the perfect marriage of comfort food and gourmet dining. With its creamy texture, savory garlic butter, and juicy steak, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting guests, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable meal.
