Description
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is the perfect one-pan dinner that combines bold Cajun spice with rich, creamy comfort. Juicy, seared steak bites coated in smoky seasoning are paired with tender pasta shells swimming in a cheesy garlic cream sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes — a restaurant-worthy meal made right at home with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak Bites:
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1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Garlic Shells:
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. -
Prep the Steak:
Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. -
Sear the Steak Bites:
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. In the final minute, add butter and minced garlic; toss to coat. Remove steak and set aside. -
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. -
Add the Cheese:
Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce slightly. -
Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta shells in the cheesy garlic sauce until fully coated. Add the seared steak bites back into the skillet. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use a hot skillet to achieve that perfect steak sear and caramelized crust.
Don’t overcook the steak — 2–3 minutes per side is plenty for tender bites.
Adjust Cajun spice to your taste; add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of pasta water or cream.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it luscious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American