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Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe

Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

A delicious and hearty skillet meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells, perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

  • 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cheesy Garlic Shells

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the shells; set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly for flavorful bites.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes until browned. In the final minute of cooking each batch, add butter and minced garlic, tossing the steak to coat with the flavorful butter. Remove the cooked steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic for Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat each shell. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening for desired consistency.
  7. Finish and Serve: Top the cheesy garlic shells with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use sirloin or ribeye steak for tenderness and optimal flavor.
  • Patting the steak dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
  • Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • This skillet dish is best served fresh to enjoy the creamy texture and juicy steak bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, skillet dinner, easy steak recipe, creamy pasta, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cajun-steak-bites-and-cheesy-garlic-shells-skillet-recipe/