Serves 3–4
Both components cook fast, so prep everything first.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
1–1.25 lb sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip, cut into 1–1.5-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper
Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or steak seasoning
Optional garnish: parsley
For the Parmesan Cream Shells
8 oz medium shell pasta
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½–¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan (more for topping)
½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Salt & pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional: splash of dry white wine (2 tbsp)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook shells until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream (and wine if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth.
Add pasta, tossing to coat.
Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin and make it glossy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Keep warm on low while you cook the steak bites.
3. Make the Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes very dry and season well with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
Heat a clean skillet over high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add steak in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Sear 1 minute per side until browned.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp butter + garlic.
Toss steak bites in the garlic butter for 30–60 seconds.
Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
4. Assemble
Plate a scoop of the creamy shell pasta, top with hot garlic-butter steak bites, and spoon extra butter from the pan over the top.
Finish with Parmesan + black pepper + parsley.
Tips for Extra Flavor
Browning: Let the steak and skillet get very hot to achieve a crust.
Fresh Parmesan only—pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly.
Add mushrooms sautéed in butter for a steakhouse vibe.
Splash of lemon brightens the dish surprisingly well.
If you want, I can turn this into:
A date-night fancy version
A spicy Cajun version
A one-pot variation