Introduction

Savory Steak Bites & Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that combines tender, seared steak with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked shell pasta. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting yet elegant.

The dish is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. It has two main parts: the left side shows creamy yellow pasta shells covered in a smooth, thick white sauce with black pepper and green herbs sprinkled on top. The right side has chunks of grilled steak with a dark brown outer layer and a pinkish center, also sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper. The textures of the pasta are soft and creamy while the steak looks juicy and tender. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz shell pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Season the steak pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Plate the coated pasta and top with the seared steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover steak bites and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with large, juicy chunks of browned steak, each piece sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Above the pan, a silver fork held by a woman's hand lifts a piece of yellow butter topped with green herbs, with steam rising from it. In the blurred background, there are two white bowls: one containing mashed potatoes and the other with more green herbs. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shell pasta with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve al dente texture.

How do I know when the steak bites are cooked properly?

Cooking steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat usually yields a medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on the size of the pieces. Adjust the time slightly if you prefer your steak more or less cooked.