Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering with friends and family. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, making it a meal that everyone will enjoy.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it brings together two delicious components: juicy steak bites and creamy chipotle cheddar shells. Second, it is easy to prepare, which means you don’t need to be a master chef to impress your guests. Lastly, the blend of spices and cheeses in this dish creates an explosion of flavor that will leave you coming back for seconds.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb medium shell pasta
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1-2 tbsp chipotle pepper sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Toss steak cubes in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear half of the steak for about 3 minutes per side until browned to your liking. Set aside, then repeat with the remaining steak and 2 more tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Return all the steak bites to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, then remove from heat.
- While the steak cooks, boil the shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Mix in the white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted. Stir in chipotle pepper sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated in the sauce.
- Plate the creamy chipotle shells and top with garlic butter steak bites.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells
Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm. You can sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor. This meal pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will remain good for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat again, simply reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells
- Make sure to cut the steak into even cubes for more consistent cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper sauce based on your spice preference.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce consistency.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta for some extra color and nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of steak?
A: Yes, you can use any cut of steak you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
Q: What can I substitute for the shell pasta?
A: You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli, based on your preference.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it is great for meal prep. Just store the components separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to eat.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Chipotle Cheddar Shells
Ingredients
For the steak
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the shells
- 1 lb medium shell pasta
- 6 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1-2 tbsp chipotle pepper sauce Adjust based on spice preference
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Toss steak cubes in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear half of the steak for about 3 minutes per side until browned to your liking. Set aside, then repeat with the remaining steak and 2 more tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Return all the steak bites to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, then remove from heat.
- While the steak cooks, boil the shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add in the cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted.
- Stir in chipotle pepper sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
Serving
- Plate the creamy chipotle shells and top with garlic butter steak bites.
