Seared steak bites served with shell pasta drenched in a velvety garlic butter Alfredo sauce make for a truly indulgent dinner. The dish is rich and comforting, combining tender, juicy beef with creamy pasta to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It balances the deep umami of the steak with the buttery, garlicky decadence of the sauce, all clinging perfectly to the curved shells.

What makes this dish special is its simplicity paired with big flavor. Each bite delivers satisfying textures—crisp-edged beef cubes and luscious pasta shells—while the garlic butter Alfredo sauce brings it all together. Ideal for a cozy evening or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce?

Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin are excellent options for steak bites. These cuts offer a balance of tenderness and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a more budget-conscious choice, top sirloin or flat iron steak still deliver great results with proper seasoning and searing.

Ingredients for the Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

Steak – The star of the dish; opt for well-marbled cuts for juicy, flavorful bites.

Shell Pasta – These small, curved pasta shapes trap the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is rich and creamy.

Butter – Used generously for both searing the steak and building the Alfredo base; it adds depth and silky richness.

Garlic – Essential for that robust, aromatic backbone in both the steak and sauce.

Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese – Aged Parmesan melts into the sauce, offering a nutty, salty profile that defines Alfredo.

Parsley – Used as a finishing herb, parsley adds freshness and color contrast to the dish.

Salt & Pepper – Crucial for seasoning both the steak and the sauce to enhance every component.

How To Make the Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add butter and once melted, add the steak cubes in batches. Sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Boil the Shell Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook shell pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat and add more butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked shell pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return steak bites to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta. Let them warm through for a minute or two. Finish with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving and Storing Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. The rich, creamy sauce tends to thicken as it sits, so enjoy it fresh for the best texture. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While shell pasta is great for holding sauce, penne, rotini, or even fettuccine can be used instead.

How can I make it lighter?

Try swapping out heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Romano or Asiago cheese works well. Just be sure it’s a hard, aged cheese that melts smoothly.

Can I cook the steak and pasta ahead of time?

Yes. Cook them separately and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before combining with the fresh Alfredo sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use certified gluten-free pasta. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli pair wonderfully with the steak and Alfredo sauce.

Want More Steak Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta, which delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. For a creamy variation with different shapes, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is worth a try.

If you enjoy garlic-forward dishes, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni brings a savory twist. Prefer a mix of spice and comfort? Don’t miss the One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta for a fun, hearty dinner.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you sear the steak to your liking? Did you use another cheese? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

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

Print Recipe

Description

This rich and satisfying dish features seared steak bites paired with shell pasta smothered in a creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce. A hearty, flavorful dinner that combines bold, meaty bites with comforting pasta for a meal that impresses with ease.

Ingredients

1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes

8 oz shell pasta

3 tablespoons butter, divided

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sear the Steak Bites: Heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the steak cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the shell pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Base: Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
Add Steak and Finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet and let them warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner