How do I ensure my steak bites are tender and juicy?

To achieve tender and juicy steak bites, cut your steak into even, bite-sized pieces and pat them dry thoroughly before searing. Cook them quickly over high heat to create a beautiful crust while keeping the inside perfectly medium-rare. Don't overcrowd the pan, and let them rest briefly after cooking to retain their juices.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shell pasta cradles the creamy sauce wonderfully, you can easily substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Adjust cooking times according to package directions for al dente perfection.

What's the best steak cut for steak bites?

Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak (when sliced against the grain) are excellent choices for steak bites. They offer great flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly. Opt for well-marbled cuts for the best results and a richer taste.

How can I make the garlic parmesan sauce even creamier?

For an extra decadent sauce, use heavy cream and ensure your Parmesan cheese is freshly grated, which melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties. You can also whisk in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for added richness and a silky texture.

Juicy Steak Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shell Pasta: Your New Favorite Dinner!

Description

This recipe combines tender, perfectly seared steak bites with a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce coating al dente shell pasta, creating a truly irresistible dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye/flank), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 oz medium shell pasta (or other short pasta)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the steak bites completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat until shimmering. Add half of the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal). Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak. Set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, melting it. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Gently fold in the seared steak bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the steak bites for 20-30 minutes in a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes before searing. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Join Eldralys Recipes!