Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta is a rich and simple dinner. It pairs tender seared steak with a creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce and shell pasta. People love it for the bold flavors and fast cook time. It works well for a weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner. If you like garlic butter pasta with seafood, try this garlic butter shrimp pasta recipe for another easy option.
Why make this recipe
This dish is easy and beginner friendly. It uses simple ingredients you likely have or can buy easily. You can make it in one skillet once the pasta is cooked. It saves time without losing flavor. Kids and adults usually enjoy it. For a quick bread side, pair it with easy garlic butter crescent rolls to soak up the sauce.
What makes Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta special
The steak adds a meaty bite that contrasts with the silky Alfredo sauce. The garlic and butter give a warm, savory taste. The shell pasta holds the sauce well in each bite. You can control how done the steak is. The result feels like a restaurant meal at home. It also pairs nicely with soft sides like air fryer garlic butter dinner rolls for a complete plate.
Is Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta healthy
This recipe is rich and filling. It contains protein from the steak and dairy from the cream and cheese. You get carbs from the pasta. You can balance the meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Making it at home means you control portion size and salt. If you watch calories, serve smaller portions and add a large green side.
How to make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
The process is quick and clear. Cook the pasta, sear the steak, make the sauce, and toss everything together. Most work happens in one skillet. The recipe is low difficulty and good for beginners. Active time is about 20 minutes. Total time is about 30 minutes including pasta cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season steak bites with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and steak bites into the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to serve Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
Serve it straight from the pan for a cozy feel. Spoon pasta and steak into bowls or mound on plates. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the rich sauce. For bread lovers, serve with warm cheesy garlic butter pull-apart bread to complete the meal. This works for lunch or dinner and also shines as a main dish at casual gatherings.

Best occasions to make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
Make it for weeknight dinners when you need a fast, tasty meal. It also works for date nights at home. Bring it to family dinners for a crowd-pleaser. You can pack leftovers for lunch the next day. For a cozy weekend menu, add soft buttermilk garlic butter biscuits on the side.
How to store Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
Cool the dish to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can you make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta ahead of time
Yes. Cook the pasta and steak, then keep the sauce separate if possible. Store components in the fridge. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve. This keeps the sauce from overthickening and the steak from getting tough.
Tips to make Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
- Pat steak pieces dry for a better sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Work in batches if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Warm the cream before adding to the pan to help it come to a simmer faster.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A rich and simple dinner that combines tender seared steak with creamy garlic butter Alfredo sauce and shell pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season steak bites with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and steak bites into the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Pat steak pieces dry for a better sear. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Warm the cream before adding to the pan to help it come to a simmer faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Variation
- Swap sirloin for ribeye or strip steak for more marbling.
- Use fettuccine or penne instead of shells.
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but expect a thinner texture.
- For a garlic kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. You can use ribeye, flank, or strip steak. Adjust cook time for thickness. Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Alfredo Pasta works with many cuts.
Q: How do I reheat the dish without drying the steak?
A: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute. The texture and flavor will change but the dish will still be tasty.


