Juicy garlic butter steak bites seared to perfection and served alongside luxuriously creamy chipotle white cheddar shells? Yes, please. This dinner is a fast-track to comfort food bliss with just the right amount of smoky heat, rich flavor, and satisfying texture in every bite. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something extra delicious without too much effort.

Each tender steak bite is kissed with garlic and butter, locking in that irresistible savory crust while staying juicy inside. And those pasta shells? Creamy, smoky, and cheesy with a chipotle twist that balances heat and depth without overpowering. Together, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless, like a steakhouse favorite made easy at home.

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

This recipe hits all the flavor points without demanding complicated prep. It delivers perfectly seared steak with bold garlic butter flavor and pairs it with creamy pasta that doesn’t skimp on cheesy richness. It’s comforting, bold, and just spicy enough to keep each bite interesting. And if you love skillet dinners, this one-pan wonder is a new weeknight hero.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Steak Bites?

You want a tender, quick-cooking cut that stays juicy and flavorful with high heat. Sirloin is your best bet—it’s budget-friendly and tender, with great flavor when seared. But if you’re looking to splurge or already have something on hand, ribeye or strip steak work beautifully. Just be sure to cut into evenly sized bites and pat dry before searing to get that perfect golden crust.

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

To make this recipe shine, you want simple ingredients with big flavor. Each one plays a specific role in building richness, spice, and satisfaction.

Sirloin steak
Lean yet tender, it sears beautifully and holds flavor well.
Salted butter
Infuses the steak with a savory richness and helps create that golden crust.
Garlic cloves
Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor that complements the steak.
Shell pasta
Perfectly cupped to hold all that creamy chipotle cheddar sauce.
White cheddar cheese
Sharp and melty, it’s the cheesy backbone of the pasta.
Milk or cream
Adds velvety richness and helps the sauce come together.
Chipotle peppers in adobo
Smoky, spicy, and deep—these bring the sauce to life.
Olive oil
Great for high-heat searing to lock in moisture and flavor.
Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells 2

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

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, pat the steak dry and season with salt and pepper. Once hot, add the steak bites in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crusted. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the steak to the pan and toss in the garlic butter to coat. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the shell pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

In a saucepan, warm milk or cream over low heat. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and white cheddar, whisking until smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the chipotle cheese sauce until fully coated. Plate the creamy shells and top with juicy garlic butter steak bites. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of bold, cheesy, garlicky bliss.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells

This recipe is incredibly satisfying on its own but also works great as a centerpiece. It feeds 4 hungry people comfortably, especially when paired with a light side dish or salad. Serve it fresh and hot, straight from the skillet or plate it for a more polished presentation.

To store leftovers, let everything cool before placing in airtight containers. The pasta and steak can be stored together or separately, depending on how you want to reheat. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

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

Roasted Asparagus

Its crisp-tender texture and earthy flavor balance the creamy pasta and rich steak.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a cool, vibrant contrast to this bold main dish.

Garlic Bread

Because cheesy pasta and garlic butter steak deserve to be sopped up with golden, crusty bread.

Creamed Cabbage

Mild and creamy, this side complements the chipotle cheddar without clashing flavors.

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Zingy, herbed potatoes offer a refreshing flavor pop and hearty texture.

Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds

A simple but elegant side that adds crunch and lightness to your plate.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and shaved parmesan help round out this rich and hearty meal.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (if you’re going full comfort)

Add a seafood twist to your table by pairing with this creamy, spiced pasta cousin.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells, here are more rich and satisfying dinner ideas to explore:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy twist on weeknight pasta.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you’re craving hearty, meaty pasta with zero fuss.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for next-level comfort food.
Crockpot Steak Bites when you want melt-in-your-mouth bites with slow-cooked ease.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re into spicy, smoky indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sirloin or ribeye? Did you spice things up with extra chipotle?

I love seeing how you all make these dishes your own. Ask questions, share tips, and let’s make dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and crave-worthy meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavorful, feel-good recipes!

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Chipotle White Cheddar Shells is the kind of dinner that doesn’t just satisfy—it wows. Between the buttery seared steak and the smoky, creamy pasta, it’s hard to find a more perfect match. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself on a Tuesday night, this recipe delivers bold flavor with ease.