Description

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells deliver a rich and smoky dinner in under an hour. Tender seared steak bites coated in buttery garlic are paired with pasta shells wrapped in a velvety chipotle cheddar cream sauce. A bold, comforting dish that’s both elegant and weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz pasta shells

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat steak dry and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.

2. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak bites in batches until browned. Remove and let rest.

3. Lower heat, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Return steak to pan and coat in garlic butter.

4. Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.

5. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle, and salt. Stir in cheddar until smooth.

6. Fold pasta into the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

7. Plate the creamy pasta alongside the steak bites. Garnish with parsley and extra black pepper.

Notes

Let the steak rest after searing to keep it juicy and flavorful.

For the smoothest sauce, shred your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.

Add more chipotle for a spicier kick or tone it down with a mild smoked paprika alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet and Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 710
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic butter steak, chipotle cheddar pasta, creamy shell pasta