Description
Savor a delicious blend of tender garlic butter steak bites paired with creamy chipotle shell pasta. This recipe combines rich, smoky chipotle flavors with a smooth cheddar cream sauce, perfect for a comforting yet indulgent meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (Feel free to substitute with your favorite cut or chicken for a different twist.)
- 2 tbsp Butter (Olive oil is a light alternative if preferred.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced; adjust as needed for your personal taste preference.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Essential for enhancing flavors; don’t skip it!)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Adds a lovely depth of heat.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped, optional; substitute with green onions for variety!)
Creamy Chipotle Shells
- 2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (Finely chopped; for a milder flavor, try jalapeños or omit altogether.)
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese (Shredded; yellow cheddar is a tasty substitution too!)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Consider half-and-half for a lighter option.)
- 8 oz Pasta Shells (Gluten-free pasta works well too if needed.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Pat the steak dry and season with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet, tossing them well to coat with the creamy chipotle sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and mix gently to combine all components and heat through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy chipotle shells topped with indulgent garlic butter steak bites immediately while hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the chipotle peppers.
- Substitute chicken for steak if preferred for a lighter protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Adjust garlic quantity to suit taste preferences for stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
