Description
This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet is a bold, creamy, one-pan wonder perfect for weeknight dinners or dinner parties alike. Juicy Cajun-seasoned steak bites are pan-seared to perfection, then tossed into a rich, garlicky cheddar cream sauce with tender shell pasta. It’s a satisfying, quick dinner recipe that delivers comforting flavor with a kick. Great for those seeking easy dinner ideas, hearty skillet meals, or bold-flavored food ideas ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces shell pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Trim and cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, pat dry, and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high with butter and olive oil. Sear steak bites in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the uncooked shell pasta to the cream. Stir, cover, and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
7. Add the steak bites and their juices back into the skillet and toss gently to combine.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak—cook in batches for the best browning.
Simmer the cream gently to avoid curdling; never boil.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy recipe, skillet dinner, cajun steak, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, cheesy garlic pasta