Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Shells

This garlic butter steak bites with creamy Alfredo shells recipe combines two culinary favorites into one irresistible dish. The juicy, flavorful steak pieces pair perfectly with the rich, cheesy pasta for a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.

I created this recipe one evening when I couldn't decide between steak or pasta for dinner. My family was so impressed by the combination that it's now requested at least twice a month for our special family dinners.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: Provides the perfect texture and flavor while remaining tender when cut into bite sized pieces
• Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness while adding rich flavor
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add aromatic depth that dried varieties simply cannot match
• Shell pasta: Perfectly captures the creamy Alfredo sauce in each bite
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious Alfredo texture that makes this dish so satisfying
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the smoothest sauce and best flavor
• Garlic powder: Enhances the fresh garlic flavor throughout the entire dish
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors and adds beautiful color contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Steak:

Generously coat your bite sized steak pieces with salt and pepper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout each piece.

Create the Sear:

Melt butter in a hot skillet until it begins to foam slightly. Add the steak pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve that perfect golden brown crust. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before flipping for optimal caramelization.

Add Aromatic Flavors:

Introduce the minced garlic to the nearly finished steak. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not brown which would create bitterness. Remove the steak and garlic mixture to a plate to prevent overcooking.

Start the Alfredo Base:

In the same skillet with all those flavorful brown bits from the steak use the remaining butter and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those savory flavors into your sauce.

Build the Sauce:

Add your seasonings and slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. This gradual addition prevents clumping and ensures a silky smooth sauce texture. Continue cooking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Prepare the Pasta:

Cook your shell pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.

Combine and Serve:

Gently fold the pasta into the Alfredo sauce then add the steak bites and any accumulated juices. Toss everything together until each piece is well coated and garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

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The secret to this dish is using the same pan for both the steak and sauce. Those browned bits from searing the steak infuse the creamy Alfredo with an incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special. My father in law who rarely comments on food actually asked for this recipe after trying it at our home.

The Best Steak For This Recipe

Sirloin is my top recommendation for this dish because it offers the perfect balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. Ribeye would be more luxurious but tends to release more fat which can make the sauce too rich. If you're looking to economize, chuck steak works well too just be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Whatever cut you choose, make sure the pieces are uniform in size about 3/4 inch cubes for even cooking.

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Make Ahead Options

This dish is surprisingly versatile for busy schedules. You can prepare the steak bites up to a day ahead and store them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, gently reheat the steak in a skillet while preparing fresh pasta and sauce. For complete make ahead meals, slightly undercook the pasta so it maintains its texture when reheating. The entire assembled dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days allowing you to enjoy restaurant quality flavor on even your busiest nights.

Customizing Your Alfredo

The basic Alfredo sauce in this recipe serves as a wonderful foundation for customization. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth and reduce the cheese slightly. Add depth with a splash of white wine reduced before adding the cream. For additional texture and nutrition, stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes just before serving. My personal favorite variation includes a pinch of nutmeg and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard which enhances the cheesy flavor without overpowering the dish.

Perfect Pairings

While this dish stands beautifully on its own, a few simple accompaniments can elevate your meal. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish. Garlic bread or crusty French bread makes excellent vehicles for soaking up any remaining sauce. For wine lovers, a medium bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir complements the steak, while a buttery Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo elements creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin is ideal for this dish because it has good flavor and remains tender when quickly cooked. Other excellent options include ribeye for more marbling and richness, strip steak for a beefier flavor, or tenderloin for maximum tenderness. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round, as they require longer cooking methods to become tender.

→ How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

To keep your steak bites tender, ensure your pan is very hot before adding the meat, don't overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if needed), and avoid overcooking. For medium-rare to medium doneness, cook just 3-4 minutes total. Let the steak rest briefly before combining with pasta.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately. Cook the steak bites and refrigerate up to 2 days. Make the alfredo sauce separately and refrigerate. Cook pasta fresh, then reheat sauce gently, adding a splash of cream if needed. Warm steak separately and combine just before serving to prevent overcooking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This rich dish pairs beautifully with light, bright sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans. Garlic bread is also a classic complement if you're serving a crowd and want to stretch the meal further.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some of the heavy cream, use less butter, increase the protein-to-pasta ratio, and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

→ Can I substitute the shell pasta with another type?

Yes, any medium-sized pasta shape that can hold sauce works well. Penne, farfalle (bow ties), rotini, or fusilli are excellent alternatives. Larger shells or rigatoni can be particularly good as they catch more of the delicious sauce in their centers.