Juicy, golden-seared steak bites meet rich, velvety Parmesan pasta in this one-of-a-kind comfort food combo. Garlic butter infuses every tender piece of steak with flavor, while creamy shells create the perfect savory base to soak up every last drop. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or feeding a hungry crew, this dish brings together elegance and indulgence with minimal fuss.

The beauty of Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and a good skillet, you can have a steakhouse-worthy meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a dinner that’s just as great for impressing guests as it is for treating yourself on a weeknight.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use?

Opt for a well-marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts deliver rich flavor and stay tender when quickly seared in a hot pan. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum surface area to soak in that garlicky butter.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Sirloin steak — Flavorful and lean enough for quick searing, perfect for bite-sized steak pieces.
Salted butter — The base of our garlic butter sauce, giving richness and golden edges to the steak.
Garlic cloves — Freshly minced garlic is key to creating that bold, aromatic butter sauce.
Pasta shells — These hold the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully, making each bite luxuriously cheesy.
Heavy cream — Gives the sauce a thick, luscious texture that clings to the shells.
Parmesan cheese — Freshly grated is best for a melty, nutty, and slightly salty flavor.
Olive oil — Helps sear the steak to a beautiful crust without burning the butter.
Salt and pepper — Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of both steak and sauce.
Fresh parsley — Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the steak bites to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked shells to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Plate the creamy shells and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

This dish is best served fresh off the stove. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For wine lovers, a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a buttery Chardonnay makes a great match.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best steak for this recipe?

Sirloin is ideal because it cooks quickly and stays tender, but ribeye or New York strip are great too.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture. Pre-shredded tends to be drier and doesn’t melt as evenly.

What pasta shapes work besides shells?

Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or orecchiette are all great options that hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the steak and pasta ahead, but assemble them right before serving to keep the texture perfect.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Keep your skillet hot and only sear the steak pieces for a couple of minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Is there a lighter option for the cream sauce?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, though the sauce won’t be as thick.

Want More Steak and Pasta Ideas?

If you love these Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory mains:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or red pepper flakes? Did you go extra cheesy with the Parmesan?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more recipes like this, check out my Pinterest board: Life with Jam on Pinterest