It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast.
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are your new best friend. They are warm, golden, and incredibly satisfying. Your whole family will love this cozy comfort meal. It is the perfect way to end a chilly winter day.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total winner for busy winter nights. It feels like a fancy steakhouse meal. But it comes together in just 35 minutes. You get tender steak and buttery pasta in one bowl.
It is budget-friendly since we use sirloin. The kids will love the fun shell shapes. You only need a few simple pantry staples to start. This dish is pure, soul-warming comfort food for everyone.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is very straightforward. You sear the steak quickly to keep it juicy. Then you toss everything in a simple sauce. Using reserved pasta water is the secret trick. It makes the sauce silky and perfect. Even beginners can master this meal tonight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are already in your kitchen. Fresh parsley and parmesan really make it shine.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente.
- Drain the pasta. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it is shimmering.
- Add steak in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove the steak from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the reserved pasta water. This creates a light, creamy emulsion.
- Add the cooked pasta and steak bites back in. Toss thoroughly to coat.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these Garlic Butter Steak Bites in wide, warm bowls. The shells catch all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Pair it with a simple side salad for freshness. Or try some steamed broccoli on the side. Set the table and enjoy a cozy night in.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water. This keeps the steak from getting tough. It makes a fantastic leftover lunch for the next day. I do not recommend freezing this pasta dish.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip patting the steak dry before seasoning.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting.
- Save more pasta water than you think you need.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cook the pasta slightly under for a better texture.
- Double the garlic if your family loves bold flavors.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the shells for penne or rotini pasta.
- Use ribeye instead of sirloin for a richer meal.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy winter twist.
- Try gluten-free pasta to make it allergy-friendly.
Common Questions
What is the best steak to use?
Sirloin is great because it is lean and affordable. You can also use New York strip or ribeye. Just ensure you cut them into even 1-inch cubes.
Will my kids like this?
Yes, this is very kid-approved! The butter and garlic flavors are mild and savory. The small steak bites are easy for little hands.
I hope this cozy meal brings your family together tonight. There is nothing better than a warm bowl of pasta. Enjoy every buttery bite!
— Lidia
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the reserved pasta water to the skillet to create a light emulsion.
- Add the cooked pasta and steak bites back into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat in the garlic butter.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
