If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe is exactly what you need. This beloved combination pairs tender, flavorful steak bites infused with garlic butter alongside creamy, cheesy shells that comfort every bite. It’s a perfect blend of rich indulgence and simple, satisfying flavors that come together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each playing its part in creating the rich flavors and satisfying textures that make the dish so memorable. From juicy steak to creamy cheeses and fragrant garlic, every item has a purpose that elevates the final plate.
- 1.5 lb Sirloin Steak: Offers tender, juicy bites; substitute with ribeye or tenderloin for an even richer flavor.
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt: Essential to bring out the savory notes and balance flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the steak and sauce; adjust to your liking.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Gives the steak and sauce their luscious, silky texture; olive oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
- 4 cloves Garlic: The pungent star that brings depth and wonderful aroma to the butter sauce; garlic powder can work if fresh is unavailable.
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky note that enhances the steak without overpowering.
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of spice to awaken your taste buds; add more if you like things hot.
- 12 oz Medium Pasta Shells: Perfectly shaped to hold the creamy sauce; feel free to swap for fusilli or any short pasta.
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream: Creates a dreamy, thick base for the Alfredo sauce; half-and-half or coconut cream can lighten it up.
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, cheesy richness that defines the loaded shells.
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty tang and depth; pecorino romano works beautifully as a substitute.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of green color to finish the dish; chives or basil are great alternatives.
How to Make Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Bites
Start by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and remain tender. Patting the cubes dry is key — it helps get that coveted sear. In a hot skillet with a couple of tablespoons of butter, add the steak in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, developing a gorgeous golden crust that locks in all the juicy flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta shells and cook them until perfectly al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining — that little bit of starchy water is a secret weapon to help loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
Lower the skillet’s heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant; this step is what fills your kitchen with that irresistible garlic aroma. Then pour in the heavy cream, letting it bubble gently so it thickens slightly. This creamy base will envelop the pasta in pure comfort.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan until you have a velvety, smooth sauce. Season it well with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste. The smoky paprika and red pepper flakes from earlier add a subtle kick and complexity here, tying all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak Bites Into a Crowd-Pleasing Meal
Add the drained pasta shells directly into the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat each shell evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to reach that perfect silky consistency. Finally, fold in the tender steak bites with their juices, melding all the components into one indulgent dish.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve your gorgeous Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells hot from the pan. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley to brighten the rich flavors with its herbal contrast. Trust me, the presentation here reflects the deliciousness waiting for you at every forkful.
How to Serve Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is your go-to garnish, adding a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal note that balances the richness. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a bit more flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with something light and crisp. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and brightness to your meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the cheesy sauce for dipping magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, present the steak bites and cheddar Alfredo shells in a large communal bowl that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a small mound of baby greens or microgreens for an elegant dinner party touch. For a casual twist, serve in shallow bowls topped with extra parsley and a dusting of Parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an excellent next-day quick meal.
Freezing
Because dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, it’s best to freeze the components separately if you plan to store long term. Freeze the cooked steak bites and pasta shells individually in airtight bags for up to 2 months and thaw gently before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but keep the heat moderate to avoid drying out the steak or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for a good balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or tenderloin are wonderful substitutes that bring richer, more buttery textures to your steak bites.
Is it possible to make the Alfredo sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Olive oil instead of butter will also keep it dairy-free while maintaining richness.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and store the steak bites and pasta separately. Reheat them together shortly before serving, then toss in fresh sauce for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for pasta shells if I can’t find them?
Any small to medium shaped pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even penne work beautifully as they hold the cheesy Alfredo sauce well and mix nicely with the steak bites.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Try folding in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes just before serving. They add color, nutrients, and extra layers of flavor that elevate the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food done right. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. The luscious, garlicky steak paired with cheesy, creamy pasta shells creates a combo that warms your soul and satisfies every craving. Give it a go—you won’t regret welcoming this hearty, delicious favorite into your recipe collection!
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Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe features tender, juicy garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy, loaded cheddar Alfredo shells. The sirloin steak is seared to perfection and combined with a rich, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and heavy cream tossed with perfectly cooked pasta shells. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers indulgent flavors in just 30 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lb Sirloin Steak (Substitution: Ribeye or tenderloin for a richer flavor.)
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste preference.)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Tweak to match your heat preference.)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Skip if unavailable; garlic powder can be used as an alternative.)
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (Omit if you prefer milder tastes.)
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on your spice tolerance.)
Pasta and Alfredo Sauce
- 12 oz Medium Pasta Shells (Substitution: Any short pasta shape like fusilli works well.)
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream (Substitution: Half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.)
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Substitution: Use mild cheddar or a cheese blend to customize tastes.)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Substitution: Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Substitution: Chives or basil can bring their own aromatic flair.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Cut the sirloin steak into evenly sized bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until foamy. Add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer and sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. Season with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta shells to the Alfredo sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Fold in Steak and Serve: Add the seared steak bites along with any accumulated juices into the pasta and sauce, mixing gently to combine. Transfer the finished dish to serving plates or a large bowl.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for freshness and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before cooking helps achieve a better sear and caramelization.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust Alfredo sauce thickness and improve sauce adherence to pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and smoked paprika according to your preferred spice level.
- This recipe works well with a variety of short pasta shapes beyond shells, such as fusilli or rotini.
