Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

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This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells dish is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like a reward after a long day. It brings together tender, juicy steak bites seared to golden perfection in garlic butter and pairs them with indulgently cheesy Alfredo shells. The contrast of bold, savory beef with creamy pasta is a comfort food dream.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a date night at home, this recipe makes any dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The flavors are rich, the textures are satisfying, and every bite is better than the last.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

This dish combines two crowd-pleasers in one. The steak bites are seared until crusty on the outside and tender on the inside, soaking up that luscious garlic butter. The Alfredo shells? Creamy, sharp with cheddar, and full of flavor from a touch of seasoning and melty cheese. It’s a harmony of rich and hearty with silky and cheesy, and it’s practically guaranteed to leave clean plates all around.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, use sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts are marbled just enough to stay tender when seared quickly in a hot pan. Cut them into even-sized bites so they cook uniformly and don’t forget to pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect golden-brown crust. You could use more economical cuts too, just be sure to marinate them longer or tenderize them to get similar results.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

This recipe shines with bold flavor because each ingredient plays its part perfectly. The garlic butter enhances the steak’s natural savoriness, while the Alfredo shells bring richness and comfort to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Steak
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Medium pasta shells
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

The steak provides the meaty centerpiece, seasoned simply with salt and pepper to let the garlic butter do the heavy lifting. Garlic cloves bring their punchy, aromatic charm, and butter adds that essential richness. Olive oil helps with browning. For the pasta, medium shells are perfect for catching all the sauce, while cheddar and Parmesan offer a balance of sharp and nutty flavors. The cream and milk are the base of your Alfredo, with garlic powder and paprika giving it extra flavor depth.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak

Pat your steak dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites in batches, turning to brown each side, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Let it melt and become fragrant. Return steak bites to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter. Cook for another minute. Set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the steak cooks, boil your shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, heat a bit of butter and whisk in heavy cream and milk. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and shredded cheddar. Cook over low heat until smooth, then add Parmesan. Stir until everything is velvety.

Step 5: Combine

Add the cooked shells into the Alfredo sauce and stir to coat. Serve alongside or topped with steak bites and drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

This meal is incredibly satisfying and can comfortably serve 4 people, making it great for families or a cozy dinner with leftovers. To serve, plate a generous helping of the cheddar Alfredo shells and top it with those buttery steak bites. If you’re entertaining, you can even sprinkle on some chopped parsley or a bit of crushed red pepper for flair.

To store, keep the steak and pasta separate if possible. This prevents the steak from becoming too soft in the sauce. Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and quickly warm the steak in a skillet or microwave.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells?

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing that lets you scoop up extra Alfredo sauce and garlic butter.

Roasted Broccoli

A healthy, crisp side that balances the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons are a natural match for both the steak and pasta.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Add a tangy, caramelized side to contrast the savory main.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy and tender, these mirror the richness of the garlic butter steak bites.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a bright, refreshing addition.

Crispy Zucchini Fries

Great for dipping and a lighter alternative to potato fries.

Corn on the Cob

Buttery corn is a casual and tasty complement to the meal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on this hearty Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells combo, you’re in for a treat with these other rich and comforting dishes:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine with a spicy twist that brings heat and boldness to your dinner table.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti for that classic baked pasta experience loaded with melty cheese.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re after something creamy, hearty, and packed with veggies.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you want bold flavor and easy cleanup.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce that combines sandwich flavors with pasta indulgence.

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 ribeye or sirloin? Did you add extra cheese to the Alfredo?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. Rich, buttery, creamy, and satisfying in every forkful. Perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a dish that impresses your guests. Keep this one in your rotation; it’s bound to become a favorite.

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