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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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★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

A delicious and comforting one-skillet meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that blends bold Cajun spices with rich, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water and then drain the shells. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss them in Cajun seasoning along with salt and pepper to coat evenly.
  3. Sear the steak bites: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Working in batches, sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side to develop a nice crust. In the last minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic, tossing the steak bites to coat them in the flavorful butter-garlic mix. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté garlic for the sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make the cheese sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, using a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Let the cream simmer gently, then add shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, coating them evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  7. Finish and serve: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet on top of the cheesy pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in both steak and cheese sauce.
  • Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
  • Cast iron skillet is preferred for even searing and flavor development.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on heat preference.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic pasta shells, one-skillet meal, creamy pasta, steak dinner, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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