Description

Looking for the perfect dinner idea that hits all the right notes—juicy, buttery, creamy, and spicy? These Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells deliver serious flavor with surprisingly little effort. Tender, seared steak bites drenched in garlic butter are paired with a smoky, velvety white cheddar chipotle sauce over pasta shells. It’s ideal for a quick dinner, comfort food night, or impressing your guests. Whether you’re after a hearty meal, spicy twist on mac and cheese, or just need more easy recipes with serious flavor, this one’s a total winner. Great for quick dinners, indulgent weekend meals, and bold food ideas.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

10 ounces pasta shells

2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded

1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut steak into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Season with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear steak cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat, melt butter in the same skillet, and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Return steak to the skillet and toss in garlic butter.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.

6. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

7. Stir in shredded white cheddar until melted. Add chipotle, paprika, and onion powder. Adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

9. Serve steak bites on top or mixed into the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.

Notes

Patting the steak dry before searing gives you that golden, flavorful crust.

Shred your own cheese for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded can get gritty.

Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
Calories: 710
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: garlic butter steak, chipotle mac and cheese, creamy pasta, spicy dinner, easy steak recipe