Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe
Savor the bold and comforting flavors of Cajun Steak Bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells in this easy one-skillet meal. Tender, seasoned steak cubes are seared to perfection and combined with a luscious cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce, creating a deliciously hearty dish perfect for any night.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Steak Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Garlic Shells:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss the cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly coating all pieces.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steak bites in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes until browned. In the last minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic to the pan, stirring to coat the steak. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Sauté garlic for sauce: Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the cheese sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the skillet to deglaze. Let the cream simmer gently for a minute.
- Add cheeses and seasoning: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt fully and form a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick, to loosen it while maintaining creaminess.
- Finish and serve: Top the cheesy pasta with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before seasoning and searing is key for a good crust.
- Cooking the steak in batches helps avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best heat retention and even cooking.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright contrast to the rich dish, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, skillet dinner, easy steak recipe, creamy pasta, one-pan meals
