Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of Cajun spices with tender steak bites served alongside creamy, cheesy garlic shells in this easy one-skillet recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Cook pasta shells to al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. In final minute, add butter and minced garlic; toss to coat. Remove steak bites and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer gently. Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Top with seared steak bites and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend with your favorite varieties.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Cajun Steak Bites, Cheesy Garlic Shells, Skillet Recipe, One-Pan Meal
