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Creamy garlic Parmesan shells served with tender steak bites on a plate

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shells with Tender Steak Bites

A delicious and easy recipe featuring creamy garlic parmesan sauce mixed with shell pasta and tender seared steak bites.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Steak
  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, extra creamy)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
  • A drizzle of garlic butter from the steak pan (optional garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Season steak with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
Sauce Preparation
  1. Add butter and garlic to the steak, toss to coat, then remove steak and set aside.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add butter if needed, then sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
  3. Pour in heavy cream and whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella (if using), and Italian seasoning until velvety.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Thin the sauce with pasta water as needed.
Assembly
  1. Add cooked shells to the sauce, tossing to coat. Gently fold in steak bites.
  2. Plate creamy shells topped with tender steak bites.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Finish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of garlic butter.

Notes

Serve hot on warm plates. A side salad or steamed vegetables pair well. Offer crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. Do not refreeze once reheated.