Description
Savor a deliciously rich and creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Shell Pasta dish, featuring tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with fresh thyme, smoky paprika, and Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal that comes together in under 40 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
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 for later use, then set the pasta aside.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, seasoning them with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Thyme: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to release their aroma.
- Makes Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything, ensuring the steak is well coated with the sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic butter steak bites and shell pasta immediately to enjoy the rich, garlicky, and comforting flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use sirloin steak for tenderness and flavor; you can substitute with ribeye or strip steak if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the cream sauce’s consistency to your liking.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- If unable to find fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon dried thyme can be used but add it earlier during garlic sautéing to bloom the flavor.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure you do not overcook the steak to keep it juicy and tender.
