Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a hearty skillet meal that brings together juicy steak, tender pasta, and a velvety garlic butter sauce. This Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells dish captures that perfect balance of bold flavor and weeknight convenience. Imagine tender bites of seared steak, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and crisp broccoli tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s rich with Parmesan and a touch of spice. It’s the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special yet comes together in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family, planning a quick date-night meal, or simply craving something indulgent after a long day, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Inspired by the flavors of cowboy-style garlic butter — full of herbs, spice, and savory goodness — this dish transforms a simple steak and pasta combination into a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells recipe is more than just a quick pasta dish — it’s a complete, flavor-packed meal. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Protein-packed: Juicy, flavorful steak paired with broccoli and pasta for a satisfying meal.

• Restaurant-quality flavor: The garlic butter cowboy sauce gives every bite a rich, buttery finish that tastes gourmet.

• Balanced and comforting: The combination of steak, pasta, and veggies offers both indulgence and nourishment.

• Family-approved: Simple ingredients and bold flavors make it a hit for everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

To create this flavorful, creamy, and savory pasta skillet, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

• 12 oz pasta shells

• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

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Directions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later if needed to loosen the sauce.

2. Sear the Steak

Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels — this helps them sear beautifully. Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.

3. Cook the Broccoli and Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. The broccoli should be bright green and slightly softened while maintaining a bit of crunch.

4. Combine Everything

Return the cooked pasta shells and seared steak to the skillet. Add Italian seasoning and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently so the pasta and steak get evenly coated in the buttery garlic sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

5. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and toss one final time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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What Is Cowboy Butter Sauce?

Cowboy butter sauce is a flavor-packed mixture traditionally made with melted butter, garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices — a rich, zesty sauce that’s often served with grilled meats. In this recipe, the cowboy butter concept is simplified into a creamy garlic butter base enhanced with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. The result? A sauce that’s buttery, savory, and deeply satisfying, tying together the steak, broccoli, and pasta into one cohesive dish.

It’s the kind of sauce that feels rustic and indulgent, reminiscent of a steakhouse dinner — but made right at home in your skillet.

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Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells

Creating the perfect steak and pasta skillet is all about timing and balance. Here are a few tips to make sure every element comes out perfectly:

1. Use high-quality steak: Sirloin and ribeye both work beautifully, offering a rich beef flavor and tender texture. Slice against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth bites.

2. Don’t overcook the steak: Sear it quickly on high heat to lock in flavor and juiciness. Overcooking can make the meat tough.

3. Cook broccoli just right: You want the broccoli to retain its bright color and slight crunch — this adds texture and freshness to the dish.

4. Toss pasta in the sauce while warm: This allows the sauce to cling to each shell, creating a creamy, cohesive dish.

5. Add pasta water if needed: A small splash of starchy pasta water can help emulsify the sauce, making it glossy and smooth.

6. Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or even a squeeze of lemon can brighten the richness of the butter sauce.

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Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, it’s easy to customize! Try these variations for new twists:

• Spicy Cowboy Butter: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a fiery kick.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even creamier, cheesier sauce.

• Garlic-Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for a more intense, aromatic flavor.

• Veggie-Packed Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.

• Chicken Swap: Substitute chicken breast or thighs for the steak for a lighter but still delicious variation.

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Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate it into a restaurant-quality dinner:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that buttery sauce.

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

• Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini on the side for extra color and nutrients.

• Lemon Wedges: A touch of acidity from lemon cuts through the richness beautifully.

Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation that feels cozy and homey — ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

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Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare with this dish!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave: You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

• Avoid overcooking: Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the steak and make the pasta mushy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can absolutely prepare Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells ahead of time to make dinner even easier. The key is to plan your timing wisely so that the pasta, steak, and broccoli retain their best texture and flavor. You can cook the pasta and broccoli a few hours in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them gently in a skillet with the garlic butter sauce and steak.

If you prefer to make the entire dish ahead, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in a covered container for up to three days. When reheating, warm it over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and bring back its silky consistency. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the butter to separate and the steak to overcook. The dish will still taste rich, buttery, and delicious — perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers that feel just as satisfying as the first time.

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2. What’s the best steak cut to use?

The beauty of this recipe is that it works beautifully with several different cuts of steak. Sirloin and ribeye are the top choices because they’re naturally tender, flavorful, and cook quickly, making them ideal for a skillet meal like this one. Sirloin offers a leaner texture with deep, beefy flavor, while ribeye is more marbled and rich, creating an ultra-juicy bite when seared.

If you’re looking for a more economical option, flank steak or flat iron steak are great alternatives. They may be slightly tougher, but slicing them thinly against the grain helps achieve tenderness while still providing that bold, meaty flavor. No matter which cut you choose, make sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing — this locks in juices and ensures every bite stays tender and delicious.

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3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Definitely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient and affordable substitute for fresh florets, especially when you’re short on time. To use it in this recipe, thaw the broccoli completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. This step prevents excess water from thinning the garlic butter sauce. Once added, cook for a few minutes to warm through and absorb all the rich, buttery flavors. The result will still be bright, crisp-tender broccoli that complements the steak and pasta perfectly.

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4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe can easily be made gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture. The main adjustment is to use a high-quality gluten-free pasta shell. Many brands now offer varieties made from rice, corn, or chickpeas that cook up beautifully and hold the sauce well.

Since the sauce and steak mixture are naturally gluten-free, you won’t need to make any other substitutions. Just be sure to double-check labels on your seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and butter to ensure they’re certified gluten-free, as some brands may include trace amounts of gluten. With that simple swap, you’ll have a rich, satisfying, and completely gluten-free version of this cowboy-style pasta skillet that everyone can enjoy — proof that comfort food doesn’t have to include wheat to be delicious.

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