Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells is the ultimate comfort food duo that combines rich, juicy seared steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta shells. This dish is all about bold flavors and satisfying textures, delivering a restaurant-style experience in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe brings the indulgence.

The buttery steak is infused with fresh garlic and a kiss of smoked paprika, while the cheddar Alfredo shells are loaded with velvety cheese and a touch of seasoned spice. Together, they make a savory, crave-worthy combo that’s quick enough for weeknights yet decadent enough for special occasions.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

Tender cuts work best for steak bites. I recommend sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for their balance of flavor and tenderness. Sirloin is budget-friendly and holds up well when seared. If you want that melt-in-your-mouth experience, go with filet. Ribeye gives you marbled richness that pairs deliciously with garlic butter.

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

Steak (sirloin or ribeye): The star of the dish—juicy, protein-packed, and ideal for searing.

Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses bold aroma and flavor into the butter sauce.

Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing and creating that signature garlic butter coating.

Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds flavor depth.

Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning for perfectly balanced bites.

Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky kick to the steak.

Pasta shells: Their shape catches all that luscious cheese sauce.

Cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, this is the heart of the Alfredo flavor.

Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a silky, luxurious texture.

Cream cheese: Adds tang and richness to the sauce.

Garlic powder & onion powder: Boost flavor in the Alfredo without overpowering.

Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and herby finish.

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

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Trim any excess fat from your steak and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that golden-brown crust. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once for an even crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss the seared steak bites back in and coat with the garlic butter sauce. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the Shell Pasta

In a separate pot, cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheddar Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cheddar Alfredo sauce over the cooked shells and gently fold to coat evenly.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the cheesy shells onto a plate and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory magic!

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

This meal is best served fresh while the steak is hot and the cheese sauce is silky. Serve it family-style on a large platter, or plate it individually for a cozy dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread on the side? Always a yes.

To store leftovers, transfer the steak and shells to separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the shells gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. The steak bites can be reheated in a skillet to help them retain some crisp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?

Make sure not to overcook the steak bites. Searing each side quickly on high heat locks in juices. Also, choose tender cuts like sirloin or filet.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a bold flavor, you can swap in mozzarella for stretchiness or Parmesan for a more classic Alfredo feel.

What size pasta shells should I use?

Medium shells work best—they’re large enough to hold sauce but not too bulky. You can also use elbow macaroni or penne in a pinch.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. The smoked paprika adds depth but not heat. If you like a kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the steak before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can prep the cheese sauce and steak bites separately, then combine them before serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can leave it out, but the sauce will be less tangy and a bit thinner. Try adding extra cheddar and a splash more cream to compensate.

Want More Savory Pasta & Steak Combos?

If these Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells hit the spot, you’ll love exploring more comforting, bold dinner ideas from the blog:

Try the One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for another steak-and-pasta fusion with extra heat.
Dive into Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving something extra rich.
For something with a zesty twist, don’t miss Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet.
The Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta is a must-try for spaghetti lovers who want a savory beef upgrade.
Or go with the ultra-cozy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for your next comfort night.

📌 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 go with sirloin or splurge on filet? Add a little cayenne to the Alfredo? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

For more daily dinner ideas and indulgent inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest board: Life with Nina Recipes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Loaded Cheddar Alfredo Shells

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This decadent dinner pairs juicy garlic butter steak bites with creamy cheddar Alfredo shells, bringing steakhouse-level flavor to your table. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly easy to whip up for weeknights or special meals.

Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from steak and cut into cubes. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear steak cubes 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss steak back in and coat with garlic butter. Turn off heat and cover.

4. In a pot, cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.

6. Combine the cheese sauce with cooked shells. Stir gently to coat.

7. Plate pasta and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.