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Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Shells

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish brings together tender steak bites, sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, and a comforting bed of creamy Parmesan-coated pasta shells. Each bite is infused with savory flavors from freshly grated cheese, smooth heavy cream, and a final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The preparation is straightforward, using one skillet to both cook the steak and assemble the sauce, making cleanup effortless. Ideal for quick weeknights, this satisfying main course is equally perfect for impressing guests with its rich texture and elegant presentation. Substitutions such as chicken or shrimp work well, and light cream may be used for a fresher take.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 10:54:18 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Save
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

When you crave a cozy meal with a touch of elegance but want dinner on the table fast, these garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy Parmesan shells deliver every single time. Tender steak in a deeply flavored butter sauce and silky shells coated in cheese make this a recipe you will reach for over and over again.

I remember making this for my husband on a weeknight after a tough day and watching the stress melt away at the first bite The pasta is incredibly velvety and those buttery steak pieces never last long on the plate

Ingredients

  • Steak: chopped into bite size pieces gives big flavor in every forkful Select a well marbled cut for best tenderness like sirloin or ribeye
  • Olive oil: helps get a beautiful sear on the steak without burning the pan Look for extra virgin with a fruity aroma
  • Garlic: adds a punch of savory warmth Use fresh cloves and mince just before cooking for brightest flavor
  • Heavy cream: creates the silky base for the sauce Choose a fresh carton with a clean scent and rich feel
  • Parmesan cheese: brings the signature cheesy depth Use a wedge and grate it yourself for more melt and sharpness
  • Shell pasta: with its curves holds sauce in every bite Pick a brand with a short cooking time for supper on the fly
  • Salt and pepper: essential to unlock the flavors Taste as you go for the right balance
  • Fresh parsley: brings color and a pop of freshness for finishing Chop right before serving for the best look and aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Add steak pieces seasoned with salt and pepper Cook for about seven minutes stirring occasionally until every piece has a browned crust Set the steak aside to keep it juicy
Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet add minced garlic Let it gently bubble for one minute until the scent is strong but not browned This flavors the oil and brings extra taste to the dish
Cook the Pasta
Boil the shell pasta in salted water according to package directions until just tender Drain it and keep it warm so it is ready when the sauce is done
Make Creamy Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet then stir in Parmesan cheese Mix slowly over medium low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens This should take about three minutes Watch for a glossy smooth look
Combine and Finish
Return the seared steak to the skillet Pour in drained pasta Stir gently so the rich sauce coats every shell and steak bite Warm through for two minutes
Garnish and Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with a shower of fresh chopped parsley Serve immediately for maximum creaminess
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Save
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite ingredient is definitely the garlic Nothing wakes up steak and cream like that rush of fragrant garlic My kids always sneak back to steal a few extra steak bites before I can plate Up north this recipe is our answer to long nights needing something special and homey

Storage Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days The cream sauce stays smooth if you reheat it slowly on the stove over low heat Add a splash of milk or cream if it gets too thick I like to portion it out for easy lunches the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the steak for boneless chicken thighs or peeled shrimp If you want a lighter sauce try half and half instead of heavy cream For extra depth stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red chili flakes Parmesan can be swapped for pecorino if you prefer a sharper cheese note

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a meal on its own but a side of buttered green beans or a simple salad makes the flavors pop Even just some crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce Sometimes I serve it with roasted mushrooms for an earthier twist

A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Save
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy Parmesan shells nod to classic Italian pasta dishes with rich cheese sauces While steak bites take inspiration from American steakhouse classics Combining these gives you a balanced meal that bridges comfort food and restaurant worthy mains This is the kind of dinner I would have grown up calling a treat on a Friday night

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure the steak bites stay tender?

Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the steak bites in batches if needed and sear each side until browned but still juicy inside.

→ Can I substitute a different protein instead of steak?

Yes, chicken breast or shrimp can be used in place of steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

→ How can I make the sauce lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, texture without losing too much flavor.

→ What pasta shapes work if I don't have shells?

Penne, rotini, or fusilli are all good alternatives since they hold the creamy sauce well and pair nicely with steak bites.

→ Is fresh Parmesan necessary or can I use pre-grated cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce, but pre-grated Parmesan can work if that's what you have on hand.

Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Shells

Juicy steak bites meet creamy Parmesan pasta shells in a rich, crowd-pleasing garlic butter dish.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Steak Bites

Ingredient 01 450 g beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 03 4 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 04 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 05 Black pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Parmesan Shells

Ingredient 06 225 g shell pasta
Ingredient 07 240 ml heavy cream
Ingredient 08 100 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Ingredient 09 Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

Instruction 02

Season steak pieces with salt and black pepper. Introduce steak to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the steak bites and keep warm.

Instruction 03

Boil the shell pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.

Instruction 04

In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Instruction 05

Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Instruction 06

Incorporate the drained shell pasta, mixing thoroughly until all elements are well coated with the sauce. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes.

Instruction 07

Portion the steak bites and creamy shells onto plates and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Additional Tips

  1. For a lighter variation, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. Substitute steak with shrimp or chicken if preferred.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Prepared with wheat-based pasta, containing gluten.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fat Content: 35 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: ~
  • Protein Content: ~