Looking to impress with minimal effort? This skillet combo of Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shell pasta is the bold, crave-worthy dinner you didn’t know you needed. The steak is juicy with a seared Cajun crust, while the pasta delivers ultra-creamy garlic cheese sauce that hugs every shell. Each bite is a cozy, flavor-packed experience.

What makes this dish extra special is how fast it all comes together. With a few simple techniques and ingredients, you can create something that feels restaurant-level but is actually weeknight easy. Whether you’re serving a date night dinner or feeding a hungry family, this dish will make you look like a skillet superstar.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into the recipe, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and ensure perfect results:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This is key for achieving that gorgeous sear on your Cajun steak bites. The even heat distribution creates the crispy crust while keeping the interior juicy.
Chef’s Knife: A sharp, sturdy knife is crucial for cutting your steak into even cubes. Uniform size means uniform cooking.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the steak cubes and tossing the pasta without breaking the shells.

Medium Saucepan: Needed to boil your pasta shells. Choose one with enough room for a good stir and to prevent sticking.
Grater or Microplane: For fresh-grated cheese that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Mixing Bowls: One for seasoning the steak and another for prepping your cheese and garlic mixture.

Having everything ready before you start cooking helps keep the momentum going—because this skillet dinner comes together fast and furious.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: These cuts are tender, juicy, and ideal for quick searing. They soak up the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold, spicy flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the steak bites.

Olive Oil & Butter: A combo that helps sear the meat while adding richness and depth.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for the creamy pasta sauce—aromatic and flavorful.
Pasta Shells: The perfect shape to trap that velvety cheese sauce in every bite.

Heavy Cream: For a luscious, smooth base that blends effortlessly with the cheese.
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: A mix of sharp and nutty flavors that melt into gooey perfection.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but critical to bring all the flavors to life.

Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and balance.

How To Make the Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Cut your steak into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, salt, and a touch of olive oil. Let it marinate while you prep the pasta. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and oil, then sear the steak bites in batches until they have a golden-brown crust. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil and Drain Pasta Shells

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak (leave the fond in!), lower the heat and add a bit more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until it starts to thicken, then stir in the cheddar and parmesan until melted and silky.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked shells directly into the skillet and gently toss to coat every nook and cranny with the sauce. If needed, use a splash of pasta water to smooth it out.

Step 5: Add Steak Bites Back In

Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and let them warm through with the pasta, just for a minute or two. Top with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

This dish is best served hot right from the skillet. Pair it with a light green salad or garlic bread for a comforting and complete meal. The richness of the pasta combined with the bold steak bites makes it a filling main course.

For storing, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauciness.

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or even New York strip all work well. Just aim for a tender cut that cooks quickly and holds seasoning well.

Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme for a homemade version.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and prep the sauce a few hours ahead, but combine everything just before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.

What cheeses work best?

A mix of cheddar and parmesan gives the perfect blend of sharpness and creaminess, but feel free to try Colby, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a twist.

How do I keep the steak bites tender?

Avoid overcooking. Sear them quickly over high heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes before mixing back into the pasta.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers can be stirred into the pasta for extra texture and nutrition.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you loved this hearty Cajun steak and cheesy shell combo, check out these other skillet-style favorites from Life With Olivia:

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake for sweet heat lovers.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini with a savory-sweet twist.

One Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta if you’re into layers of bold flavor.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a comforting garlic-forward dish.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta to turn up the heat just right.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavier on the Cajun spice or tweak the cheese blend? Maybe you added veggies or tried it with shrimp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, bolder meals.

For even more creamy, spicy, and cheesy dinner inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bold, spicy Cajun steak bites meet ultra-creamy garlic cheese shell pasta in this easy yet indulgent skillet dinner. Perfect for a weeknight win or special occasion, it’s a one-pan dish that delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal fuss.

Instructions

1. Cut steak into cubes and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and olive oil. Let marinate briefly.

2. Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites in batches until browned. Set aside.

3. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt remaining butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently until it begins to thicken.

6. Stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

7. Add cooked pasta shells and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed.

8. Return steak bites to skillet, mix gently, and warm through.

9. Top with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Let the steak rest after searing to retain juiciness before mixing into pasta.

Don’t overheat the cream—keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid breaking the sauce.

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, meltiest result.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 610

Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 36g

Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g

Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g

Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: cajun steak, creamy pasta, weeknight skillet, cheesy shells, one-pan dinner