Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines tender steak and comforting pasta in one pan. It is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Steak Bites and Shell Pasta: Savory, Buttery, and Comfort in Every Bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender seared steak pieces tossed with shell pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 400 g shell pasta
- 500 g sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season steak bites with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing to coat.
- Return steak bites to the skillet and mix gently.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook steak to keep it tender.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for variation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin steak provides tender, flavorful bites when seared properly.
Shell pasta serves as the ideal base, capturing sauce in every piece.
Olive oil helps sear the steak evenly.
Butter adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic enhances the savory profile with aromatic warmth.
Heavy cream creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
Beef broth enhances the steak flavor and adds moisture.
Italian seasoning provides balanced herbal notes.
Salt sharpens and enhances overall flavor.
Black pepper adds subtle heat.
Fresh parsley can be used for garnish and freshness.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently.
Stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens. Return the steak bites to the skillet and add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with cooking time of 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta can be easily adapted. For added vegetables, I tested this recipe with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, which blended beautifully with the creamy sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. If you prefer a spicier profile, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You may also use ribeye or strip steak for a richer flavor. These adjustments allow you to tailor the dish while maintaining its comforting, savory essence.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Sear in Batches
Avoid overcrowding to achieve proper browning.
Do Not Overcook Steak
Remove once just cooked to keep it tender.
Reserve Pasta Water
A small splash can help adjust sauce consistency.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin offers tenderness and good flavor balance.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rigatoni also work well.
How do I prevent tough steak?
Avoid overcooking and allow it to rest briefly.
Can this dish be made ahead?
It is best served fresh but reheats well.
Is it very creamy?
It has a rich sauce that can be adjusted to taste.
Can I make it without cream?
You may substitute milk and a little extra cheese, though texture will differ.
Conclusion
Steak Bites and Shell Pasta delivers hearty comfort and bold flavor in one satisfying skillet meal. With tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it is a dependable dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any night of the week.
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