Choosing the Best Steak for Steak Bites
The best cuts of beef for steak bites are those that are both flavorful and tender. Sirloin is a popular choice because it is affordable, lean, and cooks quickly. Ribeye offers richer marbling and deeper beef flavor, making it extra juicy with garlic butter. New York strip is another excellent option, delivering a firm bite and bold steakhouse taste. The key is to cut the beef into uniform cubes so everything cooks evenly and stays tender. Letting the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking also helps ensure even searing and maximum juiciness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Step by Step
Start by patting the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a golden crust on the meat. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat. Once all the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then return all steak bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat. The result should be juicy, flavorful steak bites coated in rich garlic butter sauce
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Shells
While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and silky. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the cooked shell pasta and mix until each shell is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
How to Assemble Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells
To serve, spoon a generous portion of creamy Parmesan shells onto each plate. Top with garlic butter steak bites and drizzle extra garlic butter from the skillet over the entire dish. Finish with additional fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. The contrast between the buttery steak and the creamy pasta creates a rich, balanced bite every time.
Flavor Profile and Texture Breakdown
This dish delivers multiple layers of flavor and texture. The steak bites are crisp on the outside and tender inside, coated in aromatic garlic butter. The creamy Parmesan shells are smooth, cheesy, and comforting with a subtle sharpness from the aged cheese. The pasta’s shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Together, the flavors create a perfect blend of savory, buttery, and creamy elements that feel indulgent but not overwhelming.
