If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with comforting creaminess, you’ve come to the right place. This Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Shells Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when I want something both satisfying and a little bit special. Succulent steak bites seared to perfection and coated in fragrant garlic butter meet tender pasta shells swimming in a smoky, cheesy chipotle sauce. Every bite feels like a warm hug, yet it’s exciting enough to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to make this delightful dish a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so irresistible is its simplicity, relying on a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that each bring a unique element to the table. From the rich creaminess to the smoky heat and fresh herbal notes, these components come together like a symphony of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: The star protein that offers tender, juicy bites with great caramelization; flank steak works if you want a leaner cut.
- 3 tablespoons Butter: Adds a silky richness that elevates the garlic and steak flavors beautifully.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced to inject punchy aroma and warmth into the butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors—season according to your taste.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a clean, spicy kick that complements the steak perfectly.
- 2 cans Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These bring smoky, slightly spicy depth making the creamy sauce unforgettable.
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese: Shredded so it melts smoothly into the sauce, delivering that sharp yet creamy bite.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The base of the luscious sauce, giving it that irresistibly silky texture.
- 8 ounces Pasta Shells: Their hollow shape is perfect for holding all that creamy chipotle goodness; opt for gluten-free if needed.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, optional but highly recommended to brighten and freshen the final presentation.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Shells Recipe
Step 1: Steak Preparation and Searing
Start by patting your steak cubes dry using paper towels—this little step is key for getting that beautiful caramelized crust. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper and let them rest for about 10 minutes to intensify the flavor. While they rest, heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high until it’s screaming hot, then lay the steak cubes down in a single layer. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden-brown color searing in. This step locks in all the juiciness and flavor.
Step 2: Garlic Butter Magic
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add your butter, letting it melt slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds so the aroma fills your kitchen but the garlic doesn’t burn. Return your steak bites to the skillet and coat them thoroughly in the garlicky butter. This finishing touch takes the steak from delicious to downright indulgent.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta Shells
While your steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta shells and cook until al dente, usually around 7 to 10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain them carefully and set aside—these little shells are about to get a major upgrade.
Step 4: Making the Creamy Chipotle Sauce
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and stir in chopped chipotle peppers from the adobo sauce. Let this simmer gently for about 3 minutes to marry those smoky, vibrant flavors with the creaminess. Then whisk in the shredded white cheddar cheese until the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Combining Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce, tossing carefully to coat each shell evenly. Let it cook over low heat for just a minute, allowing the sauce to cling to every pasta nook and cranny, creating a richly creamy bed for your steak bites.
Step 6: Bringing It All Together
Plate the creamy chipotle shells generously and top with the garlicky steak bites. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if you want that pop of green and a hint of fresh brightness. This is the moment everything comes together in a harmony of textures and flavors you won’t want to forget.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Shells Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to here to cut through the richness and add a little herbaceous note. If you feel adventurous, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the smoky chipotle sauce beautifully. For extra texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a delightful crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds balance and freshness. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans with a touch of garlic work wonders. For those who love bread, a crusty baguette is perfect to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or impressing loved ones, try serving the steak bites atop the creamy chipotle shells in individual small cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls. Another fun idea is to stuff the pasta shells with shredded steak and smother them in the chipotle cheese sauce for a playful twist. Presentation that shows off the contrast between the golden steak and orange-hued sauce will wow every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, I recommend doing so with just the steak bites or the creamy chipotle sauce separately to maintain optimal texture. Combine and reheat gently once thawed. Freezing the whole assembled dish might cause the pasta to become mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta shells with the chipotle sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring gently to avoid curdling. Reheat the steak bites separately in a skillet to retain their seared exterior. Then combine just before serving for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are fantastic for their balance of tenderness and flavor, but flank steak works well if you want something leaner. Just adjust cooking times slightly for thickness.
How spicy is the chipotle sauce?
The chipotle peppers provide a smoky, medium heat that is flavorful without being overpowering. You can adjust the amount of chipotles to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
What kind of pasta shells should I use?
Traditional pasta shells work best because they hold the creamy sauce wonderfully. However, gluten-free shells are a fine alternative if needed for dietary reasons.
Is this recipe good for entertaining?
Definitely! It comes together fairly quickly but feels luxurious and impressive. The combination of creamy, smoky, and garlicky flavors makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the rich layers of flavor and texture in this Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Shells Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or want to wow your dinner guests, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s a total game changer in the best way!
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Indulgent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Chipotle Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and flavorful recipe featuring tender garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy, spicy chipotle-infused pasta shells. This dish combines the richness of seared sirloin or ribeye steak with a luscious white cheddar and chipotle cream sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, cut into cubes (Flank steak can be used for a leaner version)
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Creamy Chipotle Shells
- 2 cans Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 ounces Pasta Shells (Gluten-free shells can be used)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Steak Preparation: Pat the sirloin or ribeye steak cubes dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
- Searing the Steak Bites: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until very hot. Place the steak cubes in a single layer and sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a caramelized, browned crust. Remove steak bites from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Making Garlic Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture.
- Cooking the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to package instructions for approximately 7-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Preparing the Creamy Chipotle Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream and add finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Whisk in shredded white cheddar cheese until completely melted, smooth, and creamy.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta shells into the cheese and chipotle sauce. Toss gently to ensure every shell is evenly coated. Allow this mixture to warm together on low heat for one more minute to meld the flavors.
- Plating and Garnishing: Divide the creamy chipotle pasta shells onto serving plates, then generously top each plate with the garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use flank steak for a leaner, more budget-friendly alternative to sirloin or ribeye.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your spice tolerance.
- Gluten-free pasta shells can be substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Ensure the skillet is sufficiently hot before searing to get a good caramelized crust on the steak bites.
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor; avoid garlic powder substitution here.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a little extra heavy cream or cheese as desired.
