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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender sirloin steak bites and shell pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe combines the savory flavors of seared steak with a creamy, cheesy sauce for an indulgent yet straightforward meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz shell pasta

Steak Bites

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Shell Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Sear the Steak Bites: While the pasta cooks, pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Base: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it forms the flavor base of the Alfredo sauce.
  4. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat each shell thoroughly. Gently fold in the seared steak bites, including any juices that collected on the plate, to incorporate the flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with warm bread on the side to enjoy with the rich sauce.

Notes

  • Patting the steak dry before searing helps achieve a good crust and prevents steaming.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor in the sauce.
  • Do not overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, sirloin steak, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/steak-bites-and-shell-pasta-in-garlic-butter-alfredo-sauce-recipe/