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There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of pasta bathed in creamy Alfredo sauce—now imagine it crowned with tender, juicy steak bites and kissed with the warmth of garlic butter. That’s exactly what I had in mind when I created this recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner without too much fuss.

I love how the richness of the Alfredo sauce balances with the seared steak, and the shell pasta acts like tiny little cups catching every bit of that garlicky, creamy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce will hit all the right notes. Let’s dive in.

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Why You’ll Love This Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

This dish is a delightful combination of bold flavors and luscious textures. The steak bites are seared to perfection, with a caramelized crust and juicy interior, while the shell pasta provides a tender, comforting bite. The garlic butter Alfredo sauce coats everything in creamy richness with just the right hint of garlic to make the flavors pop.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes, making it a versatile addition to your cooking rotation.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce?

For this dish, I prefer using tender cuts of steak that cook quickly and remain juicy. Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work wonderfully. Ribeye gives you rich marbling and flavor, while sirloin offers a great balance between tenderness and affordability. Filet mignon will deliver an ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience if you’re looking to impress.

No matter which cut you choose, make sure to cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. A good sear in a hot pan will lock in the juices and add that irresistible caramelization that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.

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Options for Substitutions

Cooking should always be flexible! If you’d like to change things up, here are some easy swaps:

• Steak: Try chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Shell pasta: Any pasta shape that holds sauce well works—penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are great choices.
• Heavy cream: You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Parmesan cheese: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can step in if you’re looking for a sharper, saltier flavor.
• Garlic butter: If you prefer, olive oil and minced garlic can replace the butter for a lighter touch.

This recipe is easy to personalize based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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Ingredients for Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in creating a balanced, flavorful experience:

• Steak (Ribeye, Sirloin, or Filet Mignon)
  The star of the dish—provides rich, juicy bites of protein that pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.
• Shell Pasta
  The ideal shape for holding onto the luscious Alfredo sauce in every bite.
• Butter
  Creates the garlic butter base that enhances both the steak and the sauce with deep, savory flavor.
• Garlic (Fresh, Minced)
  Adds warmth and aroma, infusing the butter and sauce with irresistible garlicky goodness.
• Heavy Cream
  The foundation of the Alfredo sauce—provides a luxurious, silky texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated)
  Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce and helps thicken it naturally.
• Salt and Pepper
  Essential for seasoning both the steak and the sauce to bring out all the flavors.
• Olive Oil
  Helps sear the steak to a golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional, Chopped)
  A touch of color and freshness to brighten the finished dish.

Each of these simple ingredients comes together to create a restaurant-worthy plate of comfort food.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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Step 1: Cook the Shell Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside. This pasta water can help adjust the consistency of your Alfredo sauce later.

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Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Steak Bites

While the pasta is cooking, pat the steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a rich brown crust forms and the steak reaches your desired doneness. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to brown the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic butter goodness. Let it simmer for another minute or two so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

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Step 5: Plate and Serve

Divide the creamy shell pasta among serving bowls. Arrange the warm steak bites on top and drizzle with any juices from the plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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How Long to Cook Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly! Here’s a rough breakdown of the cooking time:

• Pasta: 8–10 minutes to cook the shells to al dente.
• Steak bites: 6–8 minutes total, depending on your preferred doneness and the size of the pieces.
• Garlic butter Alfredo sauce: 5–7 minutes to prepare and combine with pasta.

From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elevated weekend treat.

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Tips for Perfect Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

• Pat the steak dry before searing—this helps you get that delicious brown crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking steak bites; work in batches if needed to ensure a proper sear.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the sauce—pre-grated versions don’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
• Adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed for the perfect silky consistency.
• Taste as you go—season the steak, the sauce, and the pasta at each step to build layers of flavor.
• Serve immediately—the dish is at its absolute best when served hot and fresh from the skillet.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the steak: Steak bites cook very quickly—keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out. Aim for a good sear with a juicy center.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast and can become bitter if overcooked. Just sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: This sauce shines with fresh, high-quality Parmesan. Pre-shredded or powdered cheese can result in a gritty sauce.
• Skipping the pasta water: Reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. It’s an easy way to achieve a perfect, silky texture.
• Overcrowding the steak in the pan: This prevents browning and leads to steaming instead. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Letting the dish sit too long before serving: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools. Serve the dish hot for the best texture.

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What to Serve With Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce?

1. Garlic Bread

A crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up every last drop of creamy sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp, refreshing Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta and steak.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted or grilled asparagus adds color and a pleasant bite to the meal.

4. Steamed Broccoli

Simple steamed broccoli offers a fresh contrast to the creamy, indulgent flavors.

5. Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add brightness and a touch of acidity to the plate.

6. Sautéed Spinach

Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic is an easy and nutritious side.

7. Red Wine

A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the richness of the dish.

8. Sparkling Water with Lemon

For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon offers a refreshing palate cleanser.

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), this dish stores quite well with a few considerations:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickened. Microwave reheating is fine, but do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking the steak.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the Alfredo sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing. This recipe really shines when enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note that these are approximate values and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used:

• Calories: ~700–800 per serving
• Protein: ~30–35g
• Fat: ~40–50g
• Carbohydrates: ~45–50g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~2–4g
• Sodium: ~800–1000mg

This is a rich, indulgent dish best enjoyed as an occasional treat—though with flavors this good, it’s hard to resist making it more often!

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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shell pasta holds the sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work just as well. Choose your favorite.

2. What’s the best steak for this dish?

Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are excellent options. They cook quickly and stay tender, adding wonderful richness to the pasta.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. Store steak and sauce in separate containers.

4. How can I lighten the Alfredo sauce?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy. You can also use less butter and Parmesan if desired.

5. How do I avoid overcooking the steak bites?

Sear them quickly over high heat and remove from the pan once browned. They’ll finish cooking slightly from residual heat as they rest.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions. Stir them into the sauce or sauté separately.

7. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very much so—kids love creamy pasta and tender steak bites. You can adjust the garlic to suit younger palates.

8. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) pairs wonderfully with the steak and creamy sauce. A buttery Chardonnay works well too if you prefer white wine.

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Conclusion

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce is the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant—perfect for a special dinner or a satisfying weeknight treat. The tender steak bites and creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce come together beautifully with the pasta to create a dish everyone will rave about.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Once you’ve tried it, I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

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