Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells—a perfect combo for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. These steak bites are tender and packed with flavor, while the creamy Parmesan shells will leave you craving more. Let’s dive right into it!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye work well), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Shells:

• 8 oz pasta shells (or any pasta you prefer)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

1. Prepare the steak:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer.
   • Sear the steak bites for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is usually about 3 minutes per side, depending on thickness).

2. Make the garlic butter sauce:

   • Once the steak bites are cooked, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the steak bites.
   • Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme (if using), stirring frequently for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is well-coated, remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside. Keep the sauce in the pan for added flavor when serving.

3. Serve:

   • Garnish the steak bites with chopped parsley and serve them hot. You can serve them as a main dish or alongside the creamy Parmesan shells for a complete meal!

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce:

   • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

3. Combine the pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve the Dish:

• Plate the creamy Parmesan shells and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Spoon a little extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the steak for extra richness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips:

• Steak options: You can use any tender cut of steak such as filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin.
• For extra flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the steak bites before serving to balance the richness.
• Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce.

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is a hearty, delicious meal that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine. Enjoy every bite! 😋🍽🍷