🍽️ Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Shell Pasta

Rich, savory seared steak bites tossed with pasta shells in a buttery, herbed sauce.

✅ Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Steak Bites

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1–1.5 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional but recommended)

For the Pasta

• 10–12 oz pasta shells

• Salt (for boiling)

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

Optional Add-Ins

• Grated Parmesan

• Red pepper flakes

• Lemon zest

• Heavy cream (for creamy version)

🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Prepare the Steak Bites

1. Pat steak cubes very dry.

2. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Heat a skillet over HIGH heat.

4. Add olive oil.

5. Sear steak cubes 1–2 minutes per side until browned.

   • Do this in batches to avoid steaming.

6. Remove steak from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium.

2. Add butter to the same skillet.

3. Stir in minced garlic—cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add fresh thyme/rosemary.

5. Deglaze with a splash of pasta water (or broth).

6. Reduce slightly until glossy.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet; toss in butter sauce.

2. Return steak bites to the pan.

3. Toss everything gently.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Garnish with fresh herbs, black pepper, and Parmesan if desired.

🍴 Serve

Best served immediately while warm and glossy.

❓ Q&A

Q: What cut of beef works best?

A: Sirloin is perfect for value and flavor. Ribeye is the most tender and flavorful. Tenderloin gives super-soft bites but is expensive.

Q: How do I keep the steak bites from getting tough?

A:

• Don’t overcook — sear quickly on high heat.

• Keep the pieces uniform in size.

• Avoid crowding the pan.

• Use a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin.

Q: Can I make this creamy?

A: Yes! Add ½ cup heavy cream after sautéing the garlic and reduce slightly before adding pasta.

Q: How can I add more flavor?

Try:

• A splash of white wine in the sauce

• Red pepper flakes

• Lemon zest for brightness

• Mushrooms cooked before the garlic

Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?

A: Absolutely. Use chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes. Cook 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Q: What sides pair well with this?

• Roasted asparagus

• Caesar salad

• Garlic bread

• Sautéed green beans