Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet combines tender, flavorful steak cubes with rich, creamy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. Packed with bold Cajun spices and gooey cheeses, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steak bites in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side. During the final minute, add butter and minced garlic; toss to coat the steak. Remove the steak bites and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer gently.
- Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Top the cheesy pasta with the seared steak bites and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix.
- Use a variety of pasta shapes like penne or rotini if shells aren’t available.
- For a lighter option, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a reduced-fat cheese blend.
- Rest the seared steak bites for a few minutes before adding to the pasta to keep them juicy.
Storage
Store any leftover steak bites and cheesy pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon for best results. Avoid tougher cuts as they may require longer cooking and won’t stay tender in this recipe.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta varieties available at most stores. Make sure to check your Cajun seasoning and other ingredients for any hidden gluten as well.
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Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal combining tender, spicy steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta shells. The dish features perfectly seared sirloin or ribeye cubes seasoned with Cajun spices, served atop a luscious garlic cream sauce loaded with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with robust flavors, this skillet dinner is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual weekend gathering.
Ingredients
For the 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 medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the shells and setting them aside.
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss the steak pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly to coat.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. In the final minute, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan, tossing the steak bites to coat them with the garlic butter. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (deglazing the pan). Let the cream gently simmer for a couple of minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add cheese and spices: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss in pasta shells: Add the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Combine and serve: Top the cheesy garlic pasta with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and flavor development on the steak bites.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak cubes as they can become tough; 2-3 minutes per side is enough for medium rare to medium.
- The reserved pasta water contains starch which helps to loosen and bind the cheese sauce to the pasta perfectly.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh herb flavor; feel free to substitute with chives or basil if preferred.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, skillet meal, one pan dinner, creamy pasta, quick steak recipe
