🥩 Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Duo
If you're looking for the perfect dinner that balances hearty, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful, your search ends here. These Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells are everything you crave in one comforting, satisfying dish. It’s a match made in food heaven — tender, seared steak bites dripping in garlic butter, paired with velvety shells coated in a rich parmesan cream sauce.
This recipe is a weeknight favorite disguised as a five-star meal. You don’t need a reservation — just a few simple ingredients, a hot pan, and an appetite.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
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✅ Big Flavor, Few Ingredients – Classic pantry staples, bold results
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✅ Perfect Pairing – Juicy steak meets creamy pasta in a dream duo
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✅ Crowd Pleaser – Great for picky eaters, dinner guests, or date nights
Whether you're cooking for a special someone or just yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with none of the fuss.
🛒 Ingredients
🧄 For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
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1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
🧀 For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
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¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
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Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (this helps them sear beautifully).
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
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In a hot skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed — avoid crowding the pan.
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Once cooked to your liking, remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium.
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Add butter to the same pan, followed by minced garlic. Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Return steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and set aside.
4. Prepare the Parmesan Shells
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Stir in flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
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Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
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Toss in the cooked shells and coat evenly.
🥗 What to Serve With It
Keep it simple — this dish is already rich and filling. But if you’re looking for extras:
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Crisp Caesar salad
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Garlic bread (because more garlic is always a good idea)
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A glass of bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon
🔄 Recipe Tips & Variations
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Make it spicy: Add chili flakes to the steak butter for a kick.
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Swap the protein: Use shrimp or chicken if you’re not a steak fan.
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Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach go great in the cream sauce.
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Use a cast iron skillet: It gives the steak bites that perfect sear.
💬 Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together faster than takeout. It’s rich, comforting, and completely unforgettable. The steak is tender and savory, the pasta is silky and cheesy, and the garlic butter ties it all together like the culinary love letter it is.
So the next time you're wondering what to make for dinner — whether it's a Tuesday or a celebration — go ahead and treat yourself to this decadent duo.
Because you deserve to eat like royalty... even on a regular weeknight. 👑
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