Description
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet recipe combines tender, flavorful steak bites seasoned with Cajun spices and seared to perfection, paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. It’s a quick and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delicious balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors all in one skillet.
Ingredients
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. Cook pasta shells until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the shells and set aside.
- Season Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss the cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Sear Steak Bites: 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 until nicely browned. During the final minute of searing, add butter and minced garlic, tossing the steak to coat in the flavorful butter and garlic mixture. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the cream simmer gently to thicken.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce, tossing well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, placing them on top of the cheesy shells. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak bites and adds great flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- If preferred, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
- Ensure the steak cubes are dried well before seasoning to get a good sear and prevent steaming.
