Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

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I’ll admit it—few things make my mouth water like the sizzle of steak in a hot skillet. That irresistible aroma of garlic, butter, and seared beef just hits something primal. And when you pair it with ultra-creamy chipotle white cheddar shells? Game over. This combo is rich, bold, and weeknight-worthy, all while looking like something you’d order at a steakhouse. It’s not fussy, it’s not complicated—but it delivers big time.

I created this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells dish on a whim one night when I couldn’t decide between something meaty and something comforting. Turns out, you don’t have to choose. These steak bites are seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a simple garlic butter glaze that clings to every tender piece. The shells? Silky, spicy, and cheesy with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Together, they make one hell of a duo.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells Recipe

This dish is all about balance. The steak is bold and buttery, while the shells are creamy with a kick. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food with a bit of edge. You’ll love how quickly everything comes together—less than 40 minutes from start to finish—and how it feels indulgent without being over the top. It’s got enough spice to keep flavor chasers happy, yet still cozy enough to please the mac-and-cheese purists. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

For this recipe, I love using sirloin because it strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and affordability. It cooks quickly, stays juicy, and has just enough marbling to give you a rich, beefy flavor. That said, if you want to splurge, ribeye or New York strip are fantastic options—they’re more tender and buttery. Tenderloin (or filet mignon) works too if you’re going for ultra-soft bites, but you’ll pay for that tenderness. Just steer clear of tougher cuts like chuck or round, unless you plan to marinate them first.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to mix things up, this recipe gives you some wiggle room:

• No steak? You can swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs. They crisp up beautifully and pair well with the chipotle shells.
• Dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter and a vegan white cheddar (there are some shockingly good ones out there now).
• Chipotle too spicy? Use a smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for a milder smoky kick.
• Pasta alternatives? Shells are fun, but elbows, rotini, or even cavatappi will hold the creamy cheese sauce just as well.
• No white cheddar? A sharp yellow cheddar or gouda will still give you that silky texture and bold flavor.

Make it your own without losing the soul of the dish.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells Recipe

Sirloin Steak (or preferred cut):
This is the star of the show. You want a tender, flavorful cut that can be seared quickly and still stay juicy.

Garlic Cloves:
Fresh garlic makes all the difference here. It infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor that clings to the steak.

Unsalted Butter:
Butter is key—it’s what makes the garlic sauce rich and indulgent, coating every steak bite perfectly.

Olive Oil:
A little oil helps with searing the steak at high heat without burning the butter.

Salt and Black Pepper:
Simple seasoning is all the steak needs to enhance its natural flavor.

Pasta Shells:
Shells hold onto the creamy cheese sauce like little bowls of heaven. Their shape makes every bite ultra-satisfying.

White Cheddar Cheese (shredded):
This gives the sauce that deep, sharp, cheesy base. Go for a good block and shred it yourself if you can.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (minced):
They bring smoky heat and depth to the cheese sauce. A little goes a long way, so taste as you go.

Heavy Cream:
To make that sauce extra luscious. It helps everything come together in the creamiest way.

Milk:
Thins out the sauce just enough to coat the pasta without becoming too thick.

All-Purpose Flour:
Used to create a quick roux for thickening the sauce to that velvety consistency.

Onion Powder & Smoked Paprika:
These seasonings round out the chipotle flavor and add a subtle depth to the cheese sauce.

Fresh Parsley (optional):
A sprinkle on top gives a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.

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Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps get that golden crust. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

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Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.

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Step 4: Boil the Pasta Shells

While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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Step 5: Build the Chipotle Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened—about 3–4 minutes.

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Step 6: Add Cheese and Chipotle

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar until fully melted. Mix in the minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Taste and adjust heat or salt if needed.

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Step 7: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked shells to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated in creamy, spicy goodness. Serve alongside the garlic butter steak bites or toss everything together for a loaded bowl of flavor.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

The beauty of this dish is how quickly it comes together:

• Steak Bites: Just 2–3 minutes per side over high heat, depending on your preferred doneness. Resting them for a couple of minutes after cooking locks in the juices.
• Pasta Shells: Usually 8–10 minutes in boiling water for that perfect al dente texture.
• Cheese Sauce: Around 10 minutes total, including the roux and melting in the cheese.

Altogether, the whole dish takes about 35–40 minutes from start to finish, making it doable on a weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend treat.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

• Dry the Steak First: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Pat the steak dry before seasoning—it makes all the difference.
• Use a Hot Pan: For golden crusty edges on the steak bites, don’t be shy with the heat. A cast iron skillet works best.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak in batches if needed. Crowding causes steaming, not searing.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make sauces gritty. Freshly shredded white cheddar melts silkier.
• Adjust the Heat: Chipotle peppers vary in spice level. Start with a small amount and build the heat to your liking.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the cheese sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water helps loosen it up without diluting flavor.
• Let the Steak Rest: A few minutes of rest time after searing allows the juices to redistribute—no dry bites here.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Steak Rest Time: Cutting into the steak right after cooking lets all the juices run out. Give it 3–5 minutes to rest—your taste buds will thank you.
• Using Cold Steak Straight from the Fridge: Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before searing. This ensures even cooking and a better sear.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns fast—if it turns brown, it becomes bitter. Only cook it until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Not Tasting the Cheese Sauce as You Go: Chipotle can overpower if you add too much early on. Add in small amounts and taste after each stir.
• Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: Melt the cheese into a warm (not boiling) sauce. High heat can cause separation or grainy texture.
• Forgetting to Salt the Pasta Water: It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself. The sauce can’t make up for bland noodles.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells?

Grilled Asparagus

The char and crunch are the perfect contrast to the rich steak and creamy shells.

Garlic Bread

Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic. Plus, you’ll want something to swipe through leftover cheese sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness of the dish.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy, juicy mushrooms pair beautifully with both garlic butter and steak. Cook them in the same pan after the steak for extra flavor.

Roasted Broccolini

Tender, crisp, and slightly bitter—an ideal veggie side that doesn’t compete with the main dish.

Corn on the Cob (or Elote)

Sweet, buttery corn adds fun texture and summer vibes. Try elote for an extra punch of spice and creaminess.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

When roasted until golden and crispy, they bring a nutty, smoky edge that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

Pickled Red Onions or Jalapeños

A tangy, spicy topping that brightens the whole plate and adds a little crunch.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and pasta separate if possible to help each reheat better.

Reheating:
For best results, reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to keep it tender. The pasta can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving the steak—it tends to overcook quickly.

Freezing:
Not recommended. The cheese sauce can separate when frozen and reheated, and the steak will likely lose its tenderness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~710
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 680mg

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and substitutions used. Adjust according to your dietary needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep both components ahead—cook the steak and store it separately, and make the cheese sauce without combining it with pasta. Reheat gently and combine just before serving for the best texture.

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How spicy is the chipotle cheese sauce?

It has a noticeable kick but isn’t overwhelming. You can control the heat by starting with a smaller amount of minced chipotle and adding more to taste.

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Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Technically yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, creamier texture. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce.

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What’s the best way to get a good sear on the steak?

Dry the steak cubes well, use a heavy skillet (like cast iron), and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the steak cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes per side for a deep golden crust.

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Is there a way to lighten up the cheese sauce?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter or reduced-fat cheese. Just know it may not be quite as rich.

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Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions can be mixed into the pasta or served on the side for extra texture and flavor.

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What if I don’t have chipotle peppers?

Use smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for a similar smoky-heat effect. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious.

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Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check that your chipotle peppers and cheese are gluten-free as well.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is the kind of meal that checks every box—quick, comforting, packed with flavor, and just indulgent enough to feel special. The juicy, buttery steak paired with that spicy, velvety cheese sauce over pasta shells creates a combo that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or showing off your kitchen chops to friends, this recipe brings serious steakhouse energy with a creative, spicy twist. Give it a try once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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