Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

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Nothing says comfort food quite like tender, juicy steak bites coated in garlic butter, paired with ultra-creamy white cheddar shells spiced with smoky chipotle. This recipe is a flavor-packed dream, perfect for when you’re craving something bold, savory, and indulgent all on one plate.

The steak bites sizzle to perfection in a garlicky butter bath, creating a golden crust and sealing in all their rich juices. On the side, shells are blanketed in a white cheddar cheese sauce with a chipotle twist, giving them a creamy heat that balances beautifully with the savory steak. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend treat or a weeknight upgrade, this duo is unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells Recipe

This recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality dinner without leaving the house. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings, yet feels gourmet enough for a special occasion. The garlic butter steak bites are pan-seared to caramelized perfection, while the creamy chipotle white cheddar shells bring cozy, cheesy comfort with a spicy edge.

It’s satisfying without being overly complicated and adaptable for spice levels. You can easily tone down the heat for a family-friendly version or double up on chipotle for an extra kick.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Steak Bites?

For steak bites that are both tender and flavorful, go for cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts offer a great balance of lean meat and marbling, which helps them stay juicy during quick pan-searing. Avoid tough cuts like round or chuck unless you’re marinating them beforehand.

Make sure to cut your steak into evenly-sized cubes to ensure a consistent cook, and let them come to room temperature before cooking for the best sear.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

To create this indulgent dinner, you need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The star of the show is obviously the steak, but every ingredient here has a purpose. The garlic butter enhances the richness, while the chipotle adds smoky depth to the cheesy shells. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip)
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Salt & black pepper
• Shell pasta
• Heavy cream
• White cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika

Each of these ingredients plays a role. The garlic and butter create a luscious, aromatic sauce for the steak. Shell pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce. The white cheddar delivers sharpness, while the chipotle peppers infuse heat and smokiness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add your seasoned steak bites (salt and pepper only) and sear until golden-brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Chipotle White Cheddar Sauce

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Once warm, stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Finely chop 1-2 chipotle peppers and stir them into the sauce along with a spoonful of adobo sauce. Add smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Fold the cooked shells into the cheese sauce until well coated. Plate alongside or beneath the garlic butter steak bites. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

This recipe makes a hearty meal that serves about four people generously. It’s a perfect option for a cozy dinner or when you’re having a couple of guests over. You can serve the steak bites right over the cheesy shells or side-by-side to let the flavors shine individually.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the cheese sauce smooth and the steak tender. Avoid microwaving the steak too long to prevent it from drying out.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells?

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and shells.

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli adds both color and crunch to your plate.

Garlic Bread

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, some buttery garlic bread to mop up that chipotle cheese sauce is never a bad idea.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky grilled corn complements both the spicy chipotle and savory steak beautifully.

Pickled Red Onions

For a sharp, acidic bite that balances the richness of this dish, quick pickled onions are a game changer.

Sauteed Spinach

A simple spinach side with olive oil and garlic rounds out the meal with nutrients and mild flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw brings creaminess and crunch, and is especially great for hot summer nights.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized exterior and balsamic zing pair surprisingly well with the creamy shells and steak bites.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you love these garlic butter steak bites & creamy chipotle white cheddar shells, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful dinner favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy garlic pasta dream.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini if you’re craving Tex-Mex fusion with cheesy goodness.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine that brings heat and cream together in perfect balance.
• Cajun Potato Soup for a cozy bowl with a spicy Southern hug.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting classic loaded with flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sirloin or ribeye? Did you go heavy on the chipotle or keep it mellow?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better every day.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and indulgent comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorites.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells are a match made in flavor heaven. The buttery seared steak paired with spicy cheesy pasta checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. It’s bold, rich, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re making it for a special date night, a casual family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish won’t disappoint.

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