Dinner

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta: A Creamy Delight Recipe

ByLana Polati November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta dish is a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. Tender steak cubes meet a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with shell pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting plate everyone will love.

The dish shows one layer of small grilled beef cubes with a dark brown, slightly charred texture scattered evenly on top of one layer of large pasta shells, which are light yellow with a smooth, glossy surface. The pasta and beef are coated with a shiny brown sauce that pools slightly at the bottom, and small green herb sprigs are sprinkled over the beef pieces. All is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking steak)
4 cloves garlic, minced (for steak sauce)
4 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (divided)
1/4 tsp black pepper (divided)
8 oz shell pasta
2 tbsp olive oil (for pasta sauce)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (for pasta sauce)
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and season with smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning to brown all sides and reach your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons butter and 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in fresh thyme leaves.
Step 4: Lower the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the creamy pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve the creamy garlic butter steak bites and shell pasta immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your rich, garlicky meal!

Tips & Variations

Use filet mignon or ribeye for an even more tender steak experience.
Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herb flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the steak.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is a creamy, slightly glossy pasta with a ribbed texture and light yellow color, while the top layer consists of several small, evenly browned cubes of seared beef, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and cracked black pepper, all sitting on a shiny sauce that pools slightly around the edges. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness and preference for doneness.

Is it okay to prepare the steak and pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and steak ahead but it’s best to combine them fresh with the sauce before serving to keep the steak tender and the sauce creamy.