Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same pot you cooked the pasta in (wipe it clean first), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve: Serve the creamy Parmesan shells immediately, topped with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! The starch in the water helps to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
Cheese Variations: You can use other cheeses in the sauce, such as Asiago or Romano.
Vegetables: Add some sautéed vegetables to the pasta, such as mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Make Ahead: The steak bites can be cooked ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The pasta is best served immediately.
Enjoy your delicious and satisfying Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
