Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet
A hearty skillet meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. Perfect for cozy dinners, special date nights, or when you want comfort food with a flavorful twist.
Calories:
Ingredients
For the Cajun 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat steak cubes dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, then sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
- In the last minute, add butter and garlic, toss to coat, then remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and sauté butter with garlic for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits, and simmer gently.
- Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt until melted and silky. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Toss cooked pasta shells in the cheese sauce, then top with seared steak bites. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.