A few weeks ago, during our first full weekend of summer break, my family spent the entire day outdoors—bike rides, water balloons, sidewalk chalk, and just the right amount of sunburn to feel like we lived a little. By the time dinner rolled around, I wanted to make something comforting yet quick, rich but not fussy. That night, Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta became our summer supper star.

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Searing juicy steak cubes in garlicky butter, letting their edges caramelize while the aroma wraps around your senses, creates an immensely satisfying experience. Pair that with pasta shells drowning in a creamy cheese sauce and you’ve got the kind of meal that disappears from the plate faster than you can say “pass the parmesan.”

I wasn’t aiming for a gourmet moment—just a dish that everyone at the table could savor in their own way. And with minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish delivered beyond expectations.

So now, it’s become our summer staple—the kind of dinner I pull out when we’ve played too hard, laughed too long, and want to finish the day around the table with something warm, delicious, and a little luxurious.

Short Description

A sizzling skillet of buttery steak bites served with creamy shell pasta loaded with mozzarella, cheddar, and garlic. A hearty and quick meal that brings rich flavors to your summer table.

Key Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp chopped parsley
Grated parmesan, for garnish

For the Creamy Shells:

2 cups medium shell pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella & white cheddar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Cutting board & knife
Pasta strainer
Wooden spoon or spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.

Add shredded mozzarella and white cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Mix in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked pasta until fully coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving to get a good crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and baste the steak with the garlic butter for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated parmesan.

Step 4: Serve It Up
Spoon the creamy shells onto each plate and top with the sizzling steak bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top for an extra punch of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Quick to make with minimal prep

– Comfort food with gourmet vibes

– Perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors

– Kid-friendly and adult-approved

– Easy to double for a crowd or summer potluck

– High in protein and satisfying without being overly heavy

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcrowding the pan: If the skillet is too full, the steak won’t sear properly. Cook in batches for best results.

Overcooking the steak: Stick to 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a thermometer if needed—135°F is ideal.

Lumpy cheese sauce: Whisk constantly while adding milk and stir in cheese off heat to avoid clumping.

Undersalting the pasta water: The pasta should be well-seasoned during boiling for the best flavor.

Forgetting to dry the steak: Moisture on the surface prevents a proper sear.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– This dish shines as a main course.

– Serve it plated with a side salad of arugula and lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans.

– For drinks, a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade balances the richness.

– Family-style platters also work well for casual gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

– Reheat pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

– Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat—avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

– Freeze pasta separately for up to 1 month, but fresh is best.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye or New York strip works well too. Just ensure it’s tender and cook it the same way.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, elbows, or rotini hold the sauce nicely.

3. What if I don’t have mozzarella and white cheddar?
You can sub with Monterey Jack, gouda, or even cream cheese for extra richness.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour in the sauce for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. Can I make the steak bites ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, sear them fresh. If prepping ahead, reheat quickly in a hot skillet.

Tips & Tricks

– Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep juices inside.

– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a mild kick.

– Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.

– Grate cheese from a block for better melting—pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents.

– For crispier edges, dry steak cubes well and don’t move them during searing.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Twist: Season steak cubes with Cajun seasoning. Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Garnish with green onions.

Herb & Lemon Brightness: Add lemon zest and chopped thyme to the garlic butter. Use a splash of lemon juice in the sauce for acidity.

Mushroom & Spinach Add-In: Sauté sliced mushrooms and baby spinach with garlic before adding butter to the skillet. Fold into the shells before serving.

Bacon Lover’s Version: Crisp up bacon bits and stir into the cheese sauce. Top pasta with extra crumbles before plating the steak.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Shells Pasta brings a kind of ease and decadence that fits beautifully into a summer evening. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, quick without feeling rushed, and layered with bold, rich flavors. That mix of buttery steak and velvety pasta never fails to bring smiles around the table. And those bits of garlic in the butter? They cling to the steak like tiny flavor bombs.

Feeding a hungry crew after a day in the sun or craving something cozy and seasonal, this dish brings everyone together. One plate, one skillet, and lots of flavor—exactly how summer meals should be.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Creamy Shells Pasta