If there’s one recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into a cozy restaurant-style dinner, it’s these Garlic Butter Steak Bites served with creamy Parmesan pasta shells. Imagine juicy, caramelized steak pieces sizzling in garlic butter, releasing that mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. The edges are crisp and golden, the inside tender and buttery—every bite melting together with a silky Parmesan cream sauce.
This is the kind of easy, comforting dinner that feels luxurious without taking hours.
Perfect for busy nights, date-night dinners, or when you just want to impress yourself a little, this recipe is simple, hearty, and unforgettable.
This dish was inspired by a lazy Sunday when I had leftover sirloin tips and a craving for comfort food. Instead of firing up the grill, I seared the steak pieces right on the stovetop with garlic and butter. While they sizzled, I boiled a pot of pasta shells and whipped up a quick Parmesan cream sauce.
The result? A combination so good, my family asked for it again the next day. Now it’s a permanent part of our weeknight rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Juicy, tender bites of steak with crispy golden edges.
- Quick 20-minute prep—ideal for weeknights.
- Luxuriously creamy Parmesan pasta on the side.
- Pairs beautifully with cheesy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- Easy to adapt: air fryer, Instant Pot, or Blackstone grill.
- Restaurant-quality flavor using everyday ingredients.
- Family-friendly comfort food that doubles as an elegant date-night meal.
- Delicious leftovers that reheat perfectly in minutes.
What You’ll Need
For the Steak Bites
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter (unsalted, divided)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Shells
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of Cajun seasoning for extra depth
💡 Substitution Tip: You can swap the pasta shells for rigatoni, tortellini, or even mashed potatoes. The Parmesan cream sauce also pairs wonderfully with crockpot-style potatoes or Instant Pot mashed cauliflower.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Cast-iron skillet or heavy pan
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Pasta strainer
- Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)
- Mixing bowl
No cast-iron? Use a non-stick skillet and increase heat slightly for a nice sear.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
Let’s Cook It Together
Step 1 – Prep the Steak
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes—this helps them sear beautifully.
Pro Tip: A dry surface = crisp, golden crust.
Step 2 – Sear to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, add steak pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter Magic
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Return steak bites to the pan and toss in the butter sauce. Sprinkle with parsley.
The aroma here is irresistible—rich, nutty, and full of garlic butter goodness.
Step 4 – Boil the Pasta
While the steak cooks, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 5 – Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and let it simmer gently. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in the reserved pasta water for silkiness.
Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, sprinkle in a dash of Cajun seasoning or toss in sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 6 – Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked pasta shells in the Parmesan sauce until coated. Serve with the garlic butter steak bites on top (or on the side if you prefer plating contrast). Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
Little Secrets for Success
- Use room-temperature steak for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches for that perfect crust.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for gourmet flavor.
- Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving—it locks in juiciness.
Fun Variations to Try
- Air Fryer Version: 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Crockpot Easy Steak Bites: Add steak, butter, and garlic to a slow cooker; cook on low for 2–3 hours until tender.
- Instant Pot Style: Sauté steak, then add ½ cup broth and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- Cajun Twist: Add Cajun spice mix and serve over creamy Parmesan rigatoni.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Side: Skip pasta and serve with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy mash.
- Creamy Tortellini Combo: Toss cooked steak into a pot of creamy Alfredo tortellini for the ultimate comfort fusion.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your garlic butter steak bites with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rigatoni
- Steamed asparagus or roasted carrots
- A crisp Caesar salad
- A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
A Bite Full of Health
Though indulgent, this recipe offers a balance of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. The Parmesan adds a dose of calcium and umami, while lean cuts like sirloin provide high-quality protein. Pairing it with veggies or a small serving of creamy pasta keeps the meal satisfying without being heavy.
How to Save It for Later
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or butter.
- Freeze: Steak bites freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use stew meat or cheaper cuts?
Yes! Crockpot or slow-cooker versions make tougher cuts tender and juicy.
What pasta works best?
Shells or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta works.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes as the base.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but add 1 tsp flour to thicken it slightly.
What’s the best steak for this?
Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip—cut into bite-sized cubes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories: | ~580 kcal |
| Protein: | 36 g |
| Carbs: | 32 g |
| Fat: | 33 g |
| Fiber: | 2 g |
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Shells are everything you want from comfort food—rich, buttery, and deeply satisfying. Whether you make them in a skillet, crockpot, or air fryer, the result is pure flavor bliss in under 30 minutes.
So light those candles, pour yourself a drink, and let your kitchen smell like heaven.
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