# Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
When it comes to quick and delicious weeknight dinners, few dishes can surpass the succulent flavors of garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy Parmesan shells. This delightful recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of tender steak and rich pasta, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare this gourmet meal at home, along with tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.
## Ingredients
### For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
– **1 pound sirloin steak** (or ribeye for extra tenderness)
– **4 tablespoons salted butter**
– **4 cloves garlic**, minced
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 tablespoon fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
### For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:
– **8 ounces large shell pasta**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **1 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning**
– **1 tablespoon fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
## Preparation
### Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
1. **Cut the Steak**: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the sirloin steak. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This helps them cook evenly and makes for easy eating.
2. **Season the Steak**: In a bowl, season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
3. **Heat the Skillet**: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.
4. **Cook the Steak Bites**: Add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip the steak bites and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended at 130°F-135°F).
5. **Add Garlic Butter**: With a few minutes left of cooking, add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir gently to coat the steak bites in the garlicky butter. The aroma will be irresistible!
6. **Garnish and Set Aside**: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the steak bites, and set aside.
### Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Shells
1. **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the large shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Sauté Garlic**: In the same pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
3. **Add Cream**: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to mix it with the garlic. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer.
4. **Incorporate Cheese**: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste, ensuring the sauce is well seasoned.
5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Toss the cooked shell pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, stirring well to coat all the shells evenly.
6. **Garnish**: Remove from heat, sprinkle additional freshly chopped parsley over the top, and get ready to serve.
## Plating Your Dish
To serve, arrange the creamy Parmesan shells on a plate, and artistically place the garlic butter steak bites on top or beside the pasta. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the dish for an extra touch of flavor.
## Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
1. **Choosing the Right Steak**: Opting for a good quality cut will make all the difference. Ribeye is highly recommended for its marbling and flavor, while sirloin can provide a leaner option.
2. **Cooking Temperatures**: For the steak bites, it’s important to use high heat to achieve a perfect sear. A meat thermometer can help ensure your steak reaches the perfect doneness.
3. **Creamy Sauce Consistency**: If you’d like a thicker sauce for the pasta, consider adding a tablespoon of flour while sautéing the garlic. Whisk it in before adding the cream to create a roux.
4. **Flavor Variations**: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to your creamy Parmesan sauce or using garlic-infused oil instead of regular olive oil.
5. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers, store the steak bites and creamy shells in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
## Conclusion
Garlic butter steak bites and creamy Parmesan shells is a perfect combination for a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of effort in the kitchen. This recipe not only impresses with its flavor profile but also equips you with essential cooking techniques that can be applied to other dishes. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is bound to please. So, grab your apron and get cooking today; this delightful meal awaits!