Description
A decadent and easy-to-make meal featuring tender, garlicky steak bites served over a creamy Parmesan shell pasta, infused with fresh thyme and parsley for a rich and flavorful dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Shell Pasta
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Set pasta aside.
- Cook Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Thyme: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is softened. Stir in fresh thyme leaves.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce and Pasta: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked shell pasta back into the skillet with the garlic-thyme butter. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Plate the creamy garlic butter steak bites with shell pasta immediately, enjoying the rich, savory flavors.
Notes
- Use sirloin steak for a tender and flavorful result, but ribeye or flank steak can also work well.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Leftover pasta water helps to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor—add gradually.
- Ensure steak cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, creamy shell pasta, steak pasta recipe, quick dinner, skillet steak, Parmesan cream sauce, easy steak dinner
