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Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe

Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on bold flavor or comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak Bites: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed steak with Cajun seasoning ensuring all pieces are well coated. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked to preferred doneness. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Make the Cheesy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet used for steak, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, and black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: Return the cooked Cajun steak bites to the skillet and gently mix them into the cheesy garlic shells. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use ribeye steak for extra tenderness and flavor, but sirloin works well too.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin out the cheese sauce if needed for perfect consistency.
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, steak skillet recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/cajun-steak-bites-and-cheesy-garlic-shells-skillet-recipe-3/