Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells is one of those rare dishes that manages to be both indulgent and weeknight-easy. Imagine juicy steak seared in golden garlic butter until irresistibly crisp on the edges, then paired with creamy shells bursting with cheddar, parmesan, and smoky bacon. It’s hearty, comforting, and brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen.

This recipe is perfect when you’re craving something rich but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The steak cooks up in minutes, and the shells come together with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that actually taste better the next day, this one will have everyone asking for seconds.

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

What makes this dish a weeknight hero is its bold flavor and easy execution. The garlic butter steak bites are juicy and packed with umami, while the cheddar Alfredo shells add a velvety contrast that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple. The bacon adds crunch, the cheddar melts beautifully, and the parmesan ties it all together.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a weekend treat, or even a date night at home, it delivers every single time. The balance of savory steak and creamy pasta hits just right, no matter the season.

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak Bites?

The best steaks for steak bites are cuts that cook quickly while remaining tender. Sirloin is a favorite because it strikes the perfect balance of tenderness and affordability. Ribeye and New York strip will give you even richer flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and let it rest at room temperature before searing. A screaming hot pan and a generous knob of butter will do the rest. Don’t forget to season well—steak bites love a good hit of salt, black pepper, and of course, garlic.

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

This recipe brings together rich, bold ingredients that complement one another beautifully. From the hearty steak bites to the creamy, cheesy pasta, each component is here to create flavor and comfort.

• Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye. This is the heart of the dish and should sear beautifully.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and is the base of that golden garlic sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings sharp, aromatic flavor to the steak.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation for a thick, velvety Alfredo sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, this makes the Alfredo deeply comforting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce.
• Shell Pasta: Their shape perfectly cradles the cheesy sauce in every bite.
• Bacon: Crispy bits of bacon provide crunch and smoky flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for just the right amount of heat.

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

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak

Cut the steak into small bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, melt butter and sear the steak in batches to avoid crowding. Let them brown and crisp up on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour this garlic butter over the steak bites.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the shell pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Make the Loaded Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and parmesan over medium-low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and mix until fully coated. Stir in crispy bacon and crack fresh black pepper on top.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of cheddar Alfredo shells into bowls, then top with the garlic butter steak bites. Finish with extra parmesan or chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot and dig in.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

This dish is filling and satisfying all on its own, but it’s also versatile enough to be served family-style or plated individually for a more elegant dinner. It generously feeds 4 to 6 people and is a fantastic choice for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the steak and pasta in separate airtight containers to preserve their texture. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess, and warm the steak in a skillet to keep its crisp edges intact.

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

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect companion. Use it to scoop up any leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.

Roasted Broccoli

A tray of crispy roasted broccoli adds balance and brightness to the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing brings refreshing contrast.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The tangy-sweet glaze on these sprouts cuts through the buttery flavors and complements the bacon beautifully.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Yes, more cream! If you want to go full comfort mode, mashed potatoes make a decadent addition.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet and juicy corn balances the savory depth of the steak and Alfredo combo.

Crispy Green Beans

Quickly pan-fried green beans with a little garlic and lemon zest are a crisp, zippy side.

Fresh Tomato Salad

For a lighter touch, a simple salad of tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds freshness without fuss.

Want More Steak & Pasta Ideas?

If this recipe hit the spot, you’ll probably love these other savory, satisfying dishes that mix protein and pasta in irresistible ways:

• Try this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a quick and cozy dinner.
• This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a one-pan dream for busy nights.
• Dive into the flavor-packed Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a melty, meaty favorite.
• The Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta blends bold beefy flavor with velvety Alfredo.
• Need more comfort food? This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce checks every box.

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And if you make this one, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Did you go with sirloin or splurge on ribeye? Maybe added mushrooms or spinach?

I always enjoy seeing the twists you all put on these recipes. Feel free to ask questions too — we’re all in this kitchen adventure together.

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