Lorenzo Devereaux
Seared, juicy steak bites drenched in garlic butter paired with velvety chipotle white cheddar shells—this dish is pure comfort food indulgence. Each bite offers a smoky, creamy balance with a hint of spice that keeps your fork coming back for more. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors wrapped in a cozy, home-style meal.
What makes this meal irresistible is how quickly it comes together while still feeling gourmet. Tender steak cubes caramelized to perfection complement the luscious pasta shells coated in a creamy sauce with just enough chipotle kick. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner for the family or impressing guests with a hearty feast, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.
What Kind of Steak Works Best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use sirloin for a leaner cut, ribeye for a richer marbling and buttery flavor, or even New York strip for that steakhouse bite. The key is to cut the beef into even cubes so they sear beautifully in the hot skillet. A good cast-iron pan works wonders for that perfect crust.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
- Steak (Sirloin, Ribeye, or NY Strip): The heart of the dish—juicy, flavorful, and tender when seared in butter.
- Butter: Creates the base of the garlic butter sauce, adding richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that bold, aromatic punch.
- Pasta Shells: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce in every bite.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy, giving the sauce its velvety texture.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Adds smokiness and mild heat that balances the creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak without burning the butter.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the steak in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss the seared steak bites back into the skillet, coating them well in the garlic butter. Keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Sauce
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Simmer gently, then whisk in shredded white cheddar cheese until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked shells into the chipotle white cheddar sauce, stirring until each piece is coated in creamy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve the creamy pasta with garlic butter steak bites nestled on the side or arranged on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley and a pinch of chili flakes for a little extra kick.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
This hearty meal is best enjoyed fresh, right off the skillet when the steak is sizzling and the pasta sauce is at its creamiest. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its silky texture, and reheat the steak separately to avoid overcooking.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells?
1. Garlic Bread
A crusty garlic bread makes the perfect companion, soaking up every last bit of that chipotle cheddar sauce.
2. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Crisp, cheesy green beans add freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the dish.
3. Simple Garden Salad
A light salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal refreshing and vibrant.
4. Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic
For those who want extra comfort on the side, roasted potatoes topped with melty feta are a dream.
5. Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries
Another potato option that pairs perfectly with steak bites, adding a crispy texture.
6. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy appetizer, a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup is a match made in heaven.
7. Grilled Asparagus
Lightly charred asparagus offers a smoky crunch that complements the richness of the pasta and steak.
8. Classic Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring brightness and a pop of acidity to round out the meal.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other comforting pasta dishes:
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a classic, hearty favorite.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want something quick and filling.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, meaty twist.
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta if you crave something garlicky and smooth.
- White Cheddar Chicken Pasta for another white cheddar delight.
Save This Pin For Later
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I’d love to hear how yours turned out—did you keep the spice mild or add extra chipotle for more heat? Did you pair it with a salad or go full-on comfort with garlic bread? Share your version in the comments!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Large pot
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 500 g sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ to 1 cup of pasta water.
- Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak cubes in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, melt butter in the skillet, and sauté garlic until fragrant. Return steak bites to the pan and toss in garlic butter. Keep warm.
- In a separate saucepan, simmer heavy cream with chopped chipotle peppers. Stir in white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Toss cooked pasta shells in the sauce until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Plate pasta and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.