Description

This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet recipe combines tender, flavorful steak bites seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-seared to perfection with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. The dish is made in one skillet, making it a quick and satisfying meal featuring bold Cajun flavors balanced by a rich, cheesy sauce that coats tender pasta shells. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a simple yet delicious homemade skillet meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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 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 the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly coating the meat.
Sear Steak Bites: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. In the last minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat them in the buttery garlic sauce. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to deglaze the pan, loosening any browned bits. Gently simmer the cream, then add shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss well to coat in the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it until desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Top the cheesy garlic shells with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Be sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning to get a perfect sear.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a good crust on the steak and evenly heats the cheese sauce.
Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the cheese sauce consistency and keep it creamy.
Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic pasta, skillet dinner, easy steak recipe, creamy cheese sauce, pasta shells