Looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort dish that combines bold, buttery steak with ultra-creamy shells? Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells is your answer. It brings together juicy, pan-seared steak cubes in a rich garlic butter glaze alongside tender pasta shells drenched in a sharp cheddar Alfredo sauce. It’s a match made in flavor heaven.

This dish looks indulgent, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, making it perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a homemade feast. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a cozy date night dinner, this recipe ticks all the right boxes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference.

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Essential for searing steak to get that deep, flavorful crust without overcooking the center.
Large Saucepan: Needed for boiling the pasta shells and preparing the Alfredo sauce without overcrowding.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Perfect for flipping steak bites evenly while keeping the juices sealed in.
Whisk: Ensures your cheddar Alfredo sauce is velvety smooth, preventing clumps.
Meat Thermometer (optional): Helps achieve the perfect steak doneness, especially if you like it medium or medium-rare.

Having these tools at the ready sets you up for a stress-free cooking experience with maximum flavor payoff.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Each ingredient in this dish plays a powerful role in flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown:

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: These cuts stay juicy and tender even when cubed, perfect for quick searing.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control the salt while adding richness and a silky finish to the steak.
Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a light crisp to the steak exterior.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural meatiness of the steak.
Pasta Shells: Their curves hold onto the sauce, delivering a creamy bite every time.
Heavy Cream: The base for the Alfredo sauce, bringing rich, luscious texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that bold cheesy kick.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to round out the Alfredo.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: Seasonings that layer flavor into both the steak and sauce.
Parsley (optional): For a touch of freshness and color contrast.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Pat your steak cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet, then sear the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Each side should develop a golden crust in just about 1-2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle and bloom without browning. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Shell Pasta

Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Build the Cheddar Alfredo Sauce

In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream and a bit of butter. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in garlic powder, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss cooked pasta shells into the cheddar Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Plate the cheesy shells next to the buttery steak bites and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Serve this dish hot and fresh, ideally straight from the skillet and saucepan to the plate. It’s best enjoyed when the steak bites are still sizzling and the Alfredo sauce is ultra creamy. Add a crisp side salad or roasted green beans for a balanced plate.

If you have leftovers, allow everything to cool before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to the pasta to bring back the sauce’s original silkiness. The steak can be reheated separately to keep its sear intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they cook quickly and remain juicy, even in bite-sized pieces. Filet mignon is also a great premium option.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar and Parmesan melt better and give a smoother texture to the sauce. Pre-shredded varieties may result in a grainier finish.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Use high heat and sear quickly. Don’t crowd the pan, and aim for 1-2 minutes per side depending on thickness. A meat thermometer can help if you’re aiming for precision.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce won’t be as rich. You may need to thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.

What type of pasta works if I don’t have shells?

Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini are good alternatives. Choose a shape that holds onto sauce well.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Freezing isn’t recommended, especially for the sauce, as it may split upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Want More Cheesy Comfort Food Ideas?

If you loved Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells, you’ll definitely enjoy other rich, cozy meals from LadyPlate.

You might want to try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which blends savory beef with pasta in an indulgent sauce. Or explore the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a spicy twist with deep flavor layers.

Another hearty hit is the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe — a bold, layered dinner that brings heat and comfort in every bite. If you’re craving something baked and creamy, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a must-try. And for a skillet masterpiece, check out the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food or steak recipe board for easy access later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you switch up the cheese? Add a dash of spice? Drop your experience in the comments. Your version might inspire someone else!

For more recipes like this, visit my Pinterest board at LadyPlate on Pinterest where I share all my latest creations.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This indulgent yet simple recipe pairs juicy garlic butter steak bites with ultra-creamy cheddar Alfredo shell pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners, this meal is bold in flavor, rich in texture, and irresistibly comforting.

Instructions

1. Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat. Add butter and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Return steak to pan and toss in garlic butter. Remove from heat.

4. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain pasta.

5. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and 1 tbsp butter to a simmer. Whisk in garlic powder, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.

6. Add pasta to sauce and stir to coat.

7. Plate with steak bites and garnish with parsley if desired.