Ingredients

12 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz shell pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Pat steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Plate pasta and top with steak bites and any juices from the plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak bites briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest sauce; pre-grated cheese can result in a grainy texture.

If you prefer, swap shell pasta with fettuccine or penne for a different presentation.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon all work well. Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly and remains juicy when seared.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten. Refer to the package instructions for timing and taste a piece a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure perfect texture.