Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

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Bold flavors meet creamy comfort in this unforgettable skillet dinner. Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet brings together juicy, spice-kissed seared steak cubes and tender pasta shells drenched in a buttery garlic cheese sauce. It’s the kind of hearty meal that satisfies every craving on the plate—from savory sear to velvety pasta indulgence.

Perfect for a weekend treat or when you need a one-pan showstopper, this skillet dish strikes the right balance between fiery and creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging at home, it transforms weeknight dinner into a steakhouse-style feast.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best for Cajun Steak Bites?

You want a tender, quick-searing cut. Top sirloin is a popular pick for its balance of flavor and tenderness without the premium price of filet mignon. Ribeye adds richness with its marbling, while New York strip gives a meatier chew. Cube it evenly to ensure every bite cooks at the same rate and absorbs that Cajun sear.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Steak cubes – Choose a well-marbled cut for flavor and tenderness.

Cajun seasoning – Brings smoky heat and deep Southern flavor to the meat.

Olive oil & butter – For pan-searing the steak and adding richness.

Garlic cloves – Sautéed to flavor the cheesy pasta with a savory kick.

Small pasta shells – Ideal for catching and holding that cheesy garlic sauce.

Heavy cream & milk – Form the creamy base of the sauce.

Cheddar and parmesan cheese – A combo of sharp and nutty notes to deepen the sauce flavor.

Parsley – A bright garnish to freshen and balance the richness.

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How To Make the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Toss your steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shell Pasta

In a large pot, cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet you cooked the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and milk. Slowly add shredded cheddar and grated parmesan while stirring until melted and smooth. Use some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked shells into the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so the pasta soaks in all the flavor.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Plate the cheesy garlic shells beside the seared steak bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional extra pinch of Cajun seasoning for added kick.

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Best Way to Serve and Store This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Serve this dish hot right from the skillet for maximum impact. The contrast between the spicy steak and the creamy pasta is most pronounced when freshly made. For presentation, try a large shallow bowl or a platter, placing the cheesy shells on one side and the glistening Cajun steak bites on the other. Add a sprinkle of parsley and a light dusting of extra parmesan for that final polish.

To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the cheesy texture. Avoid microwaving the steak too long, or it may become tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are mild, while others pack serious heat. Adjust to your preference or even mix your own.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni can all work. Just choose a shape that holds onto sauce.

What cheese melts best for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar gives great flavor and meltability. Add parmesan for depth. Mozzarella can make it extra gooey if you like.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components separately and combine them just before serving. Store the steak and sauce separately to preserve texture.

What can I serve with it?

A light side salad or roasted vegetables pairs nicely. You won’t need much more—it’s already rich and satisfying.

How do I make it less rich?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. Add a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Kick?

If you enjoyed these Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells, you might want to try these savory, flavor-packed recipes next:

• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for a smoky-sweet combo.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini when you crave bold garlic and tender steak.
• Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you love creamy with a garlicky edge.
• One Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Cheese Mac for another Cajun-style dinner twist.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta when you want to mix in greens with the cream.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when your next craving strikes.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you swap in a different cheese? I love hearing your twists and upgrades. Your feedback helps others cook with confidence too.

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