Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

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Craving a meal that delivers bold flavor and creamy comfort in every bite? Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is the dinner you make when you want to impress without overcomplicating your evening. These juicy, pan-seared steak bites are infused with aromatic garlic butter, delivering that perfect crust and tenderness. Paired with smoky, creamy chipotle cheddar pasta shells, it’s a match made for weeknight indulgence.

What makes this combo irresistible is the contrast—rich, deeply seasoned beef balanced with a velvety, spicy cheddar sauce that clings to every shell. It’s satisfying, a little sultry, and wildly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a few friends, this dish hits the spot every time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Having the right tools on hand can make or break this recipe. Here’s what you need:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: This is non-negotiable for the steak bites. Cast iron retains heat beautifully, which is crucial for getting that golden-brown sear on the beef.
• Medium Saucepan: You’ll need this for cooking the pasta and preparing the chipotle white cheddar sauce.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spatula: For flipping the steak bites quickly and evenly without losing juices.
• Microplane or Garlic Press: For fresh garlic that melts into the butter and enhances every bite.
• Mixing Bowl: To coat the steak bites in seasoning before searing.

A digital meat thermometer can also be helpful if you’re aiming for a precise medium-rare, but the skillet does most of the heavy lifting with heat retention and surface area.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Each ingredient in this dish plays a critical role in achieving the perfect flavor balance and texture.

• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye, cut into bites): The star of the plate. Choose a cut with marbling for tenderness and richness.
• Garlic (Fresh, minced): Adds intense aroma and buttery depth when infused in melted butter.
• Butter (Unsalted): Used to sear the steak and create a luscious garlic butter glaze.
• Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and building a savory crust.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak evenly and prevents the butter from burning.
• Pasta Shells: Their shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite, creating a silky mouthfeel.
• White Cheddar Cheese (Sharp): Offers sharpness and creaminess that balances the chipotle.
• Chipotle in Adobo (Finely chopped): Brings smoky heat and a subtle tang that deepens the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the rich, silky base of the cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add roundness and umami to the sauce.
• Parsley (Fresh, chopped): Brightens the dish and adds a visual contrast.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Step 1: Season and Prep the Steak Bites

Pat the steak dry and toss in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let sit while the skillet preheats.

Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection

In a hot cast iron skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and quickly sear the steak bites in batches. Let each side develop a dark golden crust without overcrowding the pan. Remove and rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Let it sizzle and turn aromatic, then return the steak bites to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter.

Step 4: Boil Pasta Shells

While the steak rests, cook pasta shells until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Build the Chipotle White Cheddar Sauce

In a saucepan, warm heavy cream over medium heat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chopped chipotle, and a touch of salt. Stir in the white cheddar cheese until smooth and melty.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked shells into the cheese sauce, thinning with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir until each shell is coated.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve a scoop of the creamy chipotle shells alongside the garlic butter steak bites. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and fresh cracked pepper.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

This dish is best served fresh off the skillet, while the steak bites are juicy and the pasta is creamy and warm. For a full meal, pair it with a simple arugula salad or roasted green beans to add freshness and balance.

If you have leftovers, store the steak and pasta separately in airtight containers. The steak will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the pasta for up to 4. When reheating, gently warm the pasta over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess, and quickly reheat the steak in a skillet to maintain texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Avoid overcooking by searing quickly over high heat and letting them rest. Using a well-marbled cut like ribeye also helps.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Elbow macaroni or cavatappi work well too, though shells hold sauce best.

What if I don’t have chipotle in adobo?

You can substitute with smoked paprika for the smoky flavor, or a touch of hot sauce if you prefer heat.

Is there a dairy-free option?

For a dairy-free version, swap butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan white cheddar-style cheese.

Can I prep any part of this in advance?

Yes, you can cube and season the steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-grate the cheese and chop your chipotle.

Can I freeze this dish?

The steak freezes better than the pasta. If freezing, store the steak bites separately and make a fresh batch of pasta when serving.

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Want More Steak and Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a comforting one-pan meal that comes together fast with bold flavor. Or if you lean more toward spice, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta brings creamy heat with a peppery kick.

For a sauce-forward experience, the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce pairs well with crusty bread and red wine. The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta also deserves a spot on your weeknight rotation, especially if you like that smoky-spicy note.

And don’t miss the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for an oven-friendly pasta bake that layers richness and texture in every forkful.

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If you end up making this, I’d love to know how it worked out. Did you go bold with the chipotle? Try a different steak cut? Leave your version in the comments. I always enjoy hearing your take.

And for daily recipe inspiration and more meal ideas, follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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