Description
This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet is a bold and comforting one-pan dinner made with juicy Cajun-seasoned steak, creamy garlic cheese sauce, and tender shell pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
8 oz pasta shells
1 cup heavy cream
2 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Toss the steak bites with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
5. To the garlic in the skillet, add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and fully combined.
7. Fold in the cooked pasta shells. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
8. Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently mix everything together. Cook until heated through.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the steak is dry before seasoning to help it sear better.
Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
Reserve some pasta water—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg