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Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites Shell Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta

 

Gather ’round, friends! Let me share with you one of my absolute favorite dishes: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta. This meal is like a warm hug on a plate, and I can almost hear the sizzle of that steak as I write this! Picture this: it’s a cozy evening, the aroma of garlic and buttery goodness fills the kitchen, and you know dinner is going to be an absolute delight. It doesn’t get better than that, right?

Coming from a family that cherishes great food, I remember sitting around the dinner table as a kid, eagerly waiting for my mom to present her latest culinary masterpiece. This dish reminds me of those times—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious! Pairing tender steak with comforting pasta creates a flavor explosion that you’ll want to dive into again and again. Now, let’s get you cooking up a storm with this fabulous recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Budget-Friendly: Steak bites are a delicious indulgence that won’t break the bank, especially if you choose a budget-friendly cut.
  • Full of Flavor: The garlic butter brings a rich flavor that elevates every bite of steak and pasta.
  • Versatile Dish: This recipe works great for a casual dinner or a cozy date night. Impress your friends or enjoy a comforting night in!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create something truly magical!

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (try to use fresh steak for the best flavor!)
  • 8 oz shell pasta (you can sub for any pasta you have on hand)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (you’ll definitely want to use the good stuff here)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (for that herby goodness)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (a pop of color and freshness)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional but totally recommended!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Are you ready? Let’s bring this dish to life with some simple steps!

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water—it’ll help create a lovely sauce later!
  2. Prep the Steak: While the pasta is cooking, season your steak pieces generously with salt and pepper. This step is so important—don’t skimp on the seasoning!
  3. Get Sizzling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Once it’s foamy and sizzling, add the seasoned steak in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Depending on your skillet size, you might want to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. It’s all about that beautiful sear!
  4. Add the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir it around for about a minute until fragrant. The aroma will be absolutely divine!
  5. Combine Pasta and Steak: Now, add the drained shell pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the pasta gets coated in that garlic butter goodness. If you need to, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to keep it all saucy and glossy.
  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until it melts and everything is combined. This step is where the magic happens—silky, buttery pasta with savory steak bites.
  7. Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley, and if desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This adds a lovely salty richness and looks oh-so-delicious!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s throw in some variations to keep the creativity flowing!

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you love some heat!
  • Change the Meat: Not a steak fan? Swap it out for chicken breast or shrimp! Both will play nicely in this dish.
  • Veggie Power: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes while cooking the steak for extra color and nutrients. They’ll add a burst of freshness!
  • Herby Delight: If you have fresh herbs on hand like thyme or basil, toss those in just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta is ready, it’s time to bring it to the table! Imagine serving this delicious dish alongside some warm, crusty bread for dipping or a light green salad to balance out the flavors. You could even whip up a nice glass of red wine to sip while you enjoy your meal. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the simple joys of life!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I can’t promise you will!), here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat on the stove over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water to bring it back to life.
  • Freeze: To freeze, place cooled pasta and steak bites in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
  • Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Your kitchen will smell amazing again!

FAQs

Can I use something other than steak in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary for the protein you choose!

What can I add to make this more filling?

You can always add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. They not only boost the nutrient content but also add beautiful color and texture!

Is this dish spicy? Can I make it mild?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can control the heat by omitting any red pepper flakes or spicy seasonings. It’s all about your taste preferences!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep your ingredients in advance—cut the steak and chop the garlic ahead of time. Just cook it up when you’re ready!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to make this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta dish as I am to share it with you! It’s a delightful blend of comforting flavors that will warm your heart and fill your belly. I’d love to hear how it turns out, so don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know your thoughts or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking, and enjoy every last bite!

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shell Pasta

Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites Shell Pasta Recipe


  • Author: antaki
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savor tender steak bites in garlicky butter paired with shell pasta for a delicious meal Perfect for quick dinners or special occasions


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

  • Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding the shell pasta and cooking according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  • Prep the Steak by seasoning the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  • Get Sizzling by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  • Add the Garlic by reducing heat to medium, adding minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
  • Combine Pasta and Steak by adding the drained shell pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure the pasta is coated in garlic butter, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary.
  • Finish with Butter by stirring in the remaining 1/4 cup of butter until melted and combined.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese before serving.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Main Course
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 520 calories
    • Sugar: 1 g
    • Fat: 25 g
    • Saturated Fat: 25 g
    • Carbohydrates: 45 g
    • Fiber: 2 g
    • Protein: 35 g

    Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Bites, Shell Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food

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