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.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter (divided)
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz pasta shells
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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