Description

Big flavor, low fuss! Garlic Butter Steak Bites meet ultra‑creamy Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells for a weeknight‑friendly dinner that tastes like a steakhouse splurge. Juicy, seared steak in silky garlic butter sits beside tender pasta shells blanketed in a sharp‑cheddar‑boosted Alfredo. It’s the perfect easy dinner for busy nights and special occasions alike — pure comfort food with minimal steps. Great for dinner ideas, easy recipe inspiration, and craveable food ideas when you want crowd‑pleasing satisfaction fast.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

12 oz pasta shells

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat & season steak: Pat cubes dry; toss with salt and pepper.

2. Sear steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, to medium or your preference. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium; add butter. When foamy, stir in minced garlic 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

4. Coat steak: Return steak to pan; toss in garlic butter to coat. Keep warm on low.

5. Boil shells: Cook pasta in salted water to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

6. Cheddar Alfredo: In a saucepan, simmer heavy cream on medium-low. Whisk in Parmesan, then cheddar until smooth.

7. Adjust sauce: Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for silkiness; season to taste (salt/pepper/red pepper flakes).

8. Combine & serve: Toss shells with sauce. Serve with steak beside or on top; shower with parsley.

Notes

Pat the steak very dry for the deepest sear and best browning.

Shred cheeses fresh; bagged shreds can make the sauce grainy.

Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 2 cups)
Calories: 1230
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 74 g
Saturated Fat: 37 g
Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 78 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 55 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg