Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this dish that’s become an absolute favorite in my home: steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender, juicy steak bites with delightful shell pasta all swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce that just screams comfort food. I remember the first time I made this; the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen had everyone gathering around, and the taste? Wow! It’s so rich and satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, this dish is a winner!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish! Make sure to gather everything before you start, so you can enjoy the cooking process without any interruptions.
- 1 lb steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces. I love using tender cuts like sirloin or filet mignon for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 8 oz shell pasta: The shells are perfect for catching that creamy sauce. You can use any small pasta if you like, but shells are my favorite!
- 4 tbsp butter: Unsalted is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety. No substitutes here, please!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor and meltability. Trust me; it makes a difference!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Simple, but essential to enhance all those yummy flavors.
How to Prepare Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that shell pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—trust me, it makes a difference. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for perfectly al dente shells. You want them just right, so keep an eye on them. Once they’re ready, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while we work on that heavenly sauce!
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now, let’s make that irresistible garlic butter sauce! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat—don’t rush this part; we want it to be nice and creamy. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it! The smell will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian bistro. Once that’s done, we’re ready to add our steak bites!
Cooking the Steak Bites
Time to add those steak bites to the skillet! Season them generously with salt and pepper, and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nicely browned on all sides. You want them to be juicy and tender, so avoid overcooking—aim for medium-rare to medium for the best results. Once they’re perfectly cooked, it’s time to move on to the creamy goodness!
Combining Ingredients
With the steak bites cooked to perfection, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, mixing until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! Toss in the cooked shell pasta and gently mix everything together, ensuring every piece is coated in that delicious garlic butter Alfredo sauce. It’s going to look and smell divine!
Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part—serving it up! Plate the steak bites and shell pasta generously, and for a little extra flair, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top and a pinch of chopped parsley for color. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance out the richness. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for this dish can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided estimates, they’re not exact. Always check your labels for the most accurate information, especially if you’re watching your intake. Happy cooking!
Tips for Success
To make your steak bites and shell pasta in garlic butter Alfredo sauce absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips! First, make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking; it helps with even cooking. Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak—give each piece some space to brown nicely. If the sauce gets too thick, just stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. And remember, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds so much more flavor than pre-packaged! Lastly, taste and adjust your seasoning; it’s the key to a delicious dish!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to switch things up with this dish! Try adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also swap the shell pasta for fettuccine or penne if you prefer. Want a twist? Use a different sauce, like a sun-dried tomato Alfredo or a creamy pesto. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love shell pasta for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you enjoy, like penne or fettuccine.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh to keep it from getting mushy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding veggies like broccoli or zucchini not only enhances flavor but adds a nutritious touch to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- The rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level of comfort food.
- Juicy steak bites paired with shell pasta create a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- It’s a one-skillet meal, which means less cleanup—yay!
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes for a personal touch.
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in with family.
For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Butter Steak Bites or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a comforting meal option!
Imprimer
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Magic
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Steak bites served with shell pasta in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add steak bites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use tender cuts of steak for best results.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on taste.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 40g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, alfredo sauce
