Steak Bites and Shell Pasta – A Hearty Weeknight Favorite
A hearty and flavorful skillet dish of seared steak bites tossed with tender shell pasta in a buttery garlic or creamy cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
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8 oz medium shell pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
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½ cup grated Parmesan or cheese of choice (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
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Optional: red pepper flakes, paprika
Instructions
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Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
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Cook shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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In a hot skillet, add olive oil. Sear steak cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
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Reduce heat. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
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If using cream, add now and simmer. Stir in cheese until melted.
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Add pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed.
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Return steak to pan and combine. Cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, use olive oil and skip cheese. Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.