If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is going to be your new favorite. This dish brings sizzling, juicy steak bites to the table, cooked to perfection in garlic butter and paired with velvety pasta shells coated in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce laced with smoky chipotle.

It’s a meal that hits every note: savory, smoky, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself after a long day, this combo delivers gourmet-level taste with easy weeknight effort. One bite and you’ll see why this duo is a keeper.

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

You get the richness of steakhouse-quality bites paired with the comfort of cheesy pasta, all without needing fancy ingredients. It comes together quickly, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy chipotle sauce balances smoky heat and smooth sharp cheddar, while the garlic butter steak bites bring all the umami magic. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly addictive.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Sirloin is ideal because it’s flavorful, lean, and cooks quickly, but ribeye or strip steak work great if you’re feeling fancy. Just be sure to cut the steak into evenly sized bites for even cooking. A good sear locks in juices and gives that mouthwatering crust that makes every bite irresistible.

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

This dish relies on a handful of bold, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The creamy shells get their richness from cheese and cream, while the steak bites shine in their garlic butter glaze. Each component complements the other, building a dinner that feels elevated yet approachable.

Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Tender and flavorful, this is the protein star that soaks up all that garlic butter goodness.
Butter: Essential for searing the steak and creating that luscious garlic butter coating.
Garlic cloves: Finely minced, they infuse the butter with rich, aromatic depth.
Shell pasta: Holds creamy sauce in every curve for the ultimate cheesy bite.
White cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it melts smoothly into the sauce for a comforting base.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious texture to the cheese sauce.
Chipotle peppers in adobo: A smoky, spicy kick that makes the creamy sauce unforgettable.
Salt & pepper: For seasoning the steak bites to perfection.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden sear on the steak.

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

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches so they brown evenly. Set them aside once cooked to your preferred doneness.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return steak bites to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter until coated. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce if needed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Chipotle Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-low. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and simmer for a minute. Add shredded white cheddar and stir until smooth. Adjust with pasta water for consistency if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the pasta shells with the creamy chipotle sauce. Plate with garlic butter steak bites on top or folded in. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

This dish is best served fresh off the stove while the pasta is ultra creamy and the steak bites are still juicy and warm. It comfortably feeds 4 people, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency. The steak may lose a little of its seared edge, but the flavor holds up beautifully.

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

Garlic Bread

The rich cheese sauce practically begs for something to mop it up. Crusty garlic bread is the obvious answer.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges and slightly bitter notes of roasted broccoli balance the creamy pasta perfectly.

Simple Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps things fresh and offsets the richness of the dish.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds a bright, slightly smoky contrast that pairs beautifully with both steak and creamy pasta.

Corn on the Cob

Especially good in summer months, a sweet and juicy ear of corn makes a playful side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms accentuate the umami in the steak and feel right at home in this meal.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Sometimes, a clean, citrusy drink is all you need to cut through a rich, indulgent dinner.

Apple Walnut Slaw

Adds a sweet crunch and freshness that rounds out the flavor profile.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this garlic butter steak and creamy shell combo won you over, there are plenty more bold and comforting pasta dishes you can explore. Here are a few more favorites to add to your dinner rotation:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a nostalgic, family-style meal.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you love one-pot wonders with hearty flair.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for when you want the ultimate steak and pasta fusion.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you need rich, velvety comfort in a bowl.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re craving something smoky and satisfying in just one pan.

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 dial up the chipotle or keep it mellow? Did you try a different cut of steak?

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

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