Description
Nothing beats the comfort of a creamy, buttery pasta dish loaded with tender steak and crisp broccoli. This Cowboy Butter Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Shells recipe delivers all that and more — a one-skillet wonder that’s rich, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes. Inspired by the bold, herby flavors of cowboy-style garlic butter, it’s the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want something that feels restaurant-quality without the extra effort.
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)
Instructions
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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 about ½ cup of pasta water.
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Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
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Return the steak and cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and add the shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
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If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
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Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. You can also substitute chicken for the steak or mix in extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes