Pin Tender, juicy steak bites seared in garlic butter, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells—a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
I first made these garlic butter steak bites with cheesy shells when I needed an easy meal that felt extra comforting and impressive on a busy evening. The combination of tender steak and silky cheese sauce over warm pasta instantly became a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter (for steak): 3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Medium pasta shells: 8 oz (225 g)
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for sauce): 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Salt (for sauce): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for sauce): 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg (optional): pinch
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak:
- While the pasta cooks, pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear Steak:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Make Garlic Butter:
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Return steak bites and any juices to the skillet, toss with garlic butter and parsley for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Pasta:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Add drained pasta shells and stir to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve steak bites over cheesy shells, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pin My family always gathers around the table quickly when these steak bites are on the menu, and we often laugh trying to steal the last bite of cheesy shells from each other's plates.
Required Tools
Large skillet, saucepan, pot for pasta, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, whisk
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and wheat. Always verify your cheese and pasta labels for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 34 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 38 g
Pin Serve hot for a meal that feels like pure comfort and enjoy the steak bites and cheesy shells with your favorite side salad.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve tender steak bites?
Use sirloin cut into uniform cubes and pat dry before seasoning. Sear quickly over medium-high heat to lock in juices without overcooking.
- → What type of cheese works best for the pasta shells?
A sharp cheddar combined with Parmesan creates a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- → Can I substitute the sirloin steak with another cut?
Yes, ribeye or strip steak can be used for richer flavor and tenderness, maintaining the dish's intended taste.
- → How can I add more flavor to the garlic butter sauce?
Try incorporating red pepper flakes for heat or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy richness alongside the garlic butter.
- → What is the best way to prevent the cheesy sauce from clumping?
Whisk flour into melted butter before gradually adding milk, cooking until smooth and thickened to ensure a creamy, lump-free base.