Description
This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is creamy, spicy, and ready in just 30 minutes! Tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites are seared to perfection and tossed with cheesy garlic pasta shells in one skillet. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal — rich, flavorful, and family-approved.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon butter
For the Cheesy Garlic Shells:
8 oz medium pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Finishing:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Sear the Steak Bites:
Pat steak cubes dry and toss in Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up brown bits. Gradually add cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add smoked paprika.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta shells into the sauce, tossing gently. Stir in a splash of pasta water if needed for consistency. Return steak bites and juices to the skillet. Heat through 1–2 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
Cheese Tip: Grate your own cheese for the creamiest sauce.
Heat Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for extra spice.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Make-Ahead: Cook pasta and sear steak earlier in the day — assemble when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 820KCL
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 53g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, skillet dinner, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, 30-minute dinner, comfort food recipe