Juicy, seared steak bites coated in garlicky, herb-infused butter alongside tender pasta shells smothered in a creamy chipotle white cheddar sauce — this dish is an indulgent comfort food dream come true. Each bite is a perfect balance of smoky heat, rich cheese, and savory steak flavor that will have you going back for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe is in its contrast: the robust, meaty steak bites bring hearty satisfaction, while the silky chipotle cheddar shells offer a creamy, tangy counterpoint. It’s a weeknight dinner that tastes like a steakhouse special, yet comes together in under an hour.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Heavy Cast Iron Skillet — Retains heat for an even, golden sear on your steak bites.

Medium Saucepan — Ideal for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce for the shells.
Sharp Chef’s Knife — Ensures clean, uniform cuts for steak cubes.
Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon — Helps stir the cheese sauce without scratching cookware.

Colander — Drains pasta shells efficiently while preventing overcooking.

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

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak — Tender and flavorful, perfect for bite-sized searing.
Unsalted Butter — Creates the rich garlic butter coating.

Fresh Garlic — Adds aromatic depth to the steak.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo — Infuses smoky heat into the sauce.
Heavy Cream — Forms the luxurious base for the cheese sauce.

White Cheddar Cheese — Melts into a sharp, creamy sauce.
Medium Pasta Shells — Hold the sauce beautifully.
Fresh Parsley — Provides a fresh garnish.

Salt & Black Pepper — Essential seasoning for balance.

How to Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Pat steak cubes dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot cast iron skillet until browned on all sides.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Lower heat, add butter and minced garlic, tossing steak bites to coat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil shells in salted water until al dente, then drain.

Step 4: Prepare the Chipotle White Cheddar Sauce

In a saucepan, heat cream with finely chopped chipotle peppers. Stir in white cheddar until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss pasta shells in sauce, plate alongside garlic butter steak bites, and garnish with parsley.

Serving and Storing

Serve immediately for best flavor. Store leftovers in airtight containers — steak bites last 3 days refrigerated, pasta up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, New York strip or tenderloin work well.

Can I make the sauce milder?

Reduce or omit chipotle peppers.

Can I prep ahead?

You can cube and season steak, and prep sauce base a day in advance.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The sauce may separate upon thawing, so it’s best fresh.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this hearty combo, you might enjoy these other recipes:

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Tender, garlicky steak bites seared in butter and served beside shells coated in a smoky chipotle white cheddar sauce. It’s a cozy steakhouse-meets-mac-and-cheese dinner that’s bold, creamy, and weeknight-friendly.

Instructions

1. Pat steak cubes dry; season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a hot cast-iron skillet; sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned; transfer to a plate.

3. Reduce heat; add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic; return steak and toss 30–60 seconds; keep warm.

4. Boil pasta shells in well-salted water until al dente; drain.

5. In a saucepan, warm heavy cream and 2 tbsp butter; stir in chipotle and simmer 2–3 minutes.

6. Off heat, whisk in shredded white cheddar until smooth; season with remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.

7. Toss shells with sauce until coated.

8. Serve creamy shells with garlic butter steak bites; garnish with parsley.

Notes

Dry the steak thoroughly before searing to get a deep brown crust.

Stop the steak just shy of target doneness; it finishes as you toss in the hot garlic butter.

For a milder sauce, use one chipotle or just 1–2 tsp adobo, and add extra cheddar to balance heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner

Method: Stovetop, skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion

Calories: 820
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 980 mg

Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g

Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 165 mg

Keywords: steak bites, chipotle shells, white cheddar, garlic butter, weeknight dinner