This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Shell Pasta and Parmesan Cream is the ultimate comfort dish—ready in just 25 minutes! Juicy sirloin steak bites are seared to perfection and tossed with buttery garlic, fresh thyme, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. The shell pasta holds onto every bit of that flavor-packed sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can make on any weeknight.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 8 oz shell pasta

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta:

   • Boil shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Sear Steak Bites:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.

   • Add steak cubes and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Sear for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking. Set aside.

3. Make Garlic Butter Base:

   • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

   • Add fresh thyme leaves and stir briefly.

4. Build the Sauce:

   • Lower heat. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with heavy cream and Parmesan.

   • Stir gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.

5. Finish with Steak:

   • Add steak bites back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve:

   • Plate hot and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrients:

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g

• Sodium: 800mg

• Cholesterol: 100mg

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or variations like chicken or shrimp!

Steak Bites That Steal the Show

Sirloin steak is the star here, known for its flavor and tenderness without the premium price tag of higher-end cuts. Cutting it into bite-sized cubes ensures quick, even cooking and allows every piece to develop a perfect sear. The olive oil and seasoning create a crust that locks in the juices, while smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smokiness that enhances the meat’s richness. Once seared, the steak bites are set aside briefly—but not for long—because their return to the skillet with the creamy pasta makes the final dish truly irresistible.

A Garlic Butter Base That Makes Everything Better

Few ingredients transform a dish like garlic and butter, and in this recipe, they do the heavy lifting when it comes to building bold flavor. The garlic is sautéed just until fragrant, releasing its aroma into the melted butter and creating a base that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Adding fresh thyme brings a woodsy note that complements the savory richness of the steak and sets the stage for the sauce. This combination alone could elevate almost anything it touches, but paired with creamy Parmesan and pasta, it becomes something truly indulgent.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce with Pasta That Catches Every Drop

The Parmesan cream sauce brings the entire dish together with its luscious texture and cheesy bite. Made with just heavy cream and grated Parmesan, it’s simple, smooth, and perfectly seasoned by the garlic butter and thyme left in the pan. The shell pasta is a brilliant choice—it’s shaped to capture the sauce in every nook, turning each bite into a velvety, flavor-packed experience. A splash of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce coats the pasta evenly without becoming too thick, giving it the perfect balance of creaminess and silkiness.

Weeknight Speed Meets Weekend Luxury

This dish has the rare ability to feel like a treat while being practical enough for a busy weekday. The total cook time is around 25 minutes, and the process is straightforward. You can cook the pasta while the steak sears and build the sauce in the same skillet, keeping cleanup to a minimum. The rich flavors and satisfying texture give it the feel of something you’d order at your favorite bistro, but it’s ready in less time than takeout would arrive. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy and filling, this recipe delivers without demanding too much of your time or energy.

Perfect for Date Night, Family Dinner, or Leftovers

While this dish is indulgent enough for a date night meal, it’s also kid-friendly and hearty enough to serve a family. The flavors are rich but familiar—cheese, garlic, pasta, steak—and the ingredients are approachable. It reheats beautifully too, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers the next day. Just add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating. You can even repurpose the components—leftover steak bites are fantastic in wraps or salads, and the creamy pasta is delicious with sautéed veggies or grilled chicken if you want a variation later in the week.

A Balanced Plate of Indulgence

With around 550 calories per serving, this dish strikes a nice balance between comfort and nutrition. Each serving offers about 30 grams of protein, primarily from the sirloin, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The fat content is higher, at around 35 grams per serving, with 15 grams coming from saturated fats thanks to the butter, cream, and cheese—but it’s the kind of indulgent meal that’s perfect in moderation. Carbohydrates sit around 40 grams, making this dish feel substantial without being overly heavy. Sodium is moderate at 800mg per serving, and the fiber content clocks in at 2 grams, enough to aid digestion without making the dish feel overly fibrous or grainy.

Layered Flavor Without Complication

What sets this meal apart is how it delivers complex, layered flavor without complex steps. From the seared paprika-spiced steak to the buttery garlic-thyme base and the creamy, cheesy sauce, every element works in harmony. There’s a richness from the steak and butter, a savory tang from the Parmesan, and a freshness from the thyme and parsley garnish that keeps things from becoming too heavy. It’s the kind of flavor combination that feels well-balanced and thoughtfully designed, even though it’s incredibly easy to throw together.

Elegant Presentation, Easy Garnish

Presentation is part of the magic with this dish. The shell pasta cradles the creamy sauce, and the golden seared steak bites rest beautifully on top, speckled with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of green. A final sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory finish and a bit of texture. Served in a wide bowl or on a shallow plate, it looks as good as it tastes—making it ideal for when you want to impress guests without adding extra complexity to the cooking process. A side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad can round out the meal and make it feel like a complete dining experience.

Easily Adaptable for Different Proteins or Preferences

This recipe is wonderfully flexible if you want to switch things up. For a poultry version, substitute chicken breast or thigh pieces and sear them the same way. Shrimp also works beautifully—just cook them quickly and add them at the end to avoid overcooking. Vegetarians can omit the steak and add roasted mushrooms or sautéed spinach for a delicious meat-free variation. You can even swap the shell pasta for penne, rotini, or gluten-free options without sacrificing flavor. The base of garlic butter, Parmesan, and cream is a versatile canvas for many ingredients.

Conclusion: Fast, Flavorful, and Unforgettable

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Shell Pasta and Parmesan Cream is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s bold in flavor, rich in texture, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your weeknight routine or impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers comfort and luxury in equal measure. With just a few pantry staples and high-impact ingredients, you can have a meal that feels special, tastes incredible, and comes together in minutes. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and perfectly seared—it’s everything a comfort food dinner should be, and more.