Go Back
To make Steak Bites Shell Pasta Alfredo, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz large shell pasta - 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The large shell pasta holds onto the Alfredo sauce well. Sirloin steak adds a hearty bite, making each forkful satisfying. Olive oil helps to sear the steak to a perfect brown, giving it a great flavor. Don’t forget the garlic; it adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make the sauce nice and creamy. Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but adds a touch of freshness. With these ingredients ready, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone at the table! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add shell pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain pasta and set aside. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, toss in the shell pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it's firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it rest while you move to the next step. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Season steak bites with salt and pepper. - Sear steak for 3-4 minutes until browned. Next, grab a skillet and add olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Season your bite-sized steak pieces with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, carefully add the steak. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a nice brown. This gives the steak a great flavor. - Sauté minced garlic in the skillet. - Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. - Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. After the steak is done, keep the heat on medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. - Add cooked shell pasta and seared steak to the sauce. - Toss gently to coat with Alfredo sauce. Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked shell pasta and the seared steak to your creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and steak are covered in the Alfredo sauce. This step is key to getting all the flavors to mix. - Plate the dish and garnish with parsley. Finally, it’s time to serve! Plate your delicious Steak Bites Shell Pasta Alfredo in a nice bowl. For a pop of color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. You can even add a bit more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! - For steak, I suggest medium rare for the best tenderness. - To check pasta doneness, bite a piece. It should be firm but chewy. - If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps it blend. - For a creamy texture, stir the sauce continuously as you add cheese. - Serve in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic look. - Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Pro Tips Rest the Steak: Let the seared steak bites rest for a few minutes before adding them to the pasta. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: For a more vibrant flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged. Fresh cheese melts better and enhances the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up while adding starch for a creamier sauce. Herb Variations: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor. They can elevate the dish and provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out the sirloin steak for chicken or shrimp. If you use chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it until golden and juicy. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it last. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based protein. Options like tofu or tempeh work well. They soak up flavors and add great texture. The sauce can change to suit your taste. Try adding different cheeses like Fontina or Gouda. These cheeses give a unique twist to the creamy base. Adding spices or fresh herbs can also spice it up. Consider garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for extra zest. If you're looking for variety, swap the shell pasta for other shapes. Bowtie, penne, or rigatoni can work too. They all hold sauce well. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great alternatives that taste fantastic. Always check the package for cooking times. To store leftovers, place the dish in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Seal it tightly to keep out air. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days. The flavors will stay fresh, but the pasta can get soft over time. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely before you seal it. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice when you heat it. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir it well between heating to warm evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. This helps keep the creamy texture. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy every bite! Yes, you can make parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the shell pasta and cool it. Store it in an airtight container. You can also cook the steak in advance. Just reheat it when ready to serve. For the sauce, make it fresh for the best taste. If you must, you can prepare the sauce a few hours early. Just keep it warm on low heat. I love serving this dish with a fresh garden salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. It adds a nice crunch. For wine, a glass of Chardonnay pairs perfectly. Its fruity notes enhance the creamy sauce. To lighten this dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. You can also use low-fat cheese. For the steak, choose lean cuts. Trim off any visible fat for fewer calories. Add more vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, to boost nutrition without adding many calories. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese. These options give similar flavors without dairy. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your diet. This blog post covered a delicious recipe for Steak Bites Shell Pasta Alfredo. You learned about the ingredients needed, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips to enhance your dish. We explored variations and storage methods, ensuring you can enjoy this meal long after cooking it. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavors. Whether you eat it right away or save it for later, it will impress everyone. With these tips, you can make this dish your own and savor each bite!

Steak Bites Shell Pasta Alfredo

A creamy and savory dish featuring tender steak bites and large shell pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz large shell pasta
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak bites with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and sear for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked to your desire (medium rare recommended for tenderness). Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  • Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  • Combine: Add the cooked shell pasta and seared steak bites into the sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and steak are well-coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Serve: Plate the Steak Bites Shell Pasta Alfredo and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve in a wide, shallow bowl for a rustic look, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over each serving for added richness.
Keyword alfredo, creamy, dinner, pasta, steak