Description
This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet is a one-pan dinner recipe that delivers bold Cajun flavor, juicy seared steak, and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce tossed with shell pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or a cozy indulgence, this skillet dinner is family-friendly, easy to make, and packed with protein and comfort.
Ingredients
1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cubed
8 ounces shell pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons salted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook shell pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Toss cubed steak with Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and add garlic, cooking until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and pasta water. Simmer and whisk in cheddar and parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked shell pasta into sauce and stir to coat.
7. Return steak bites to the skillet and fold everything together.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or blend it with brown sugar.
Use freshly grated cheeses for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Add cooked mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg