Craving a sizzling dinner that brings bold flavor and indulgent comfort together in one bite? These Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta do just that. It’s a one-skillet dish that marries juicy, spice-rubbed steak with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta — a weeknight winner or weekend treat that’s satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

Picture this: tender cubes of sirloin, perfectly seared with Cajun spices, nestled next to golden shell pasta cloaked in a velvety garlic cheese sauce. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this skillet dinner hits every note of savory, creamy, spicy perfection.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve that irresistible sear and luscious cheese sauce, the right tools matter:

Cast Iron Skillet: Holds heat evenly and gives the steak that perfect crust.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the steak cubes without piercing them and losing juices.
Large Saucepan: For boiling the shell pasta to al dente.
Whisk: Keeps the cheese sauce smooth and lump-free.
Microplane or Garlic Press: Ensures the garlic melts into the sauce instead of overpowering it.

These tools not only make the cooking process smoother but help achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

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

Sirloin Steak: The star of the show. Lean, tender, and full of beefy flavor. Cubed for faster cooking and maximum surface area for searing.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold heat and flavor. You can use a store-bought mix or create your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
Olive Oil: Helps develop a crisp crust on the steak bites.
Shell Pasta: Perfect for catching all that luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
Heavy Cream: The base of the rich garlic sauce.
Cream Cheese: Adds body and a slightly tangy depth to the sauce.
Shredded Cheddar & Mozzarella: For ultimate melt and cheesy pull.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable garlicky punch.
Butter: Adds richness to both the steak and the sauce.
Chopped Parsley: Optional garnish for freshness and color.

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

Step 1: Sear the Cajun Steak Bites

Season your cubed sirloin generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in your cast iron skillet until shimmering, then add steak in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the steak sears, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Add cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Add pasta and toss to coat.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return steak bites to the skillet, nestling them into the cheesy shells. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Skillet Dinner

Serve this skillet straight from the pan for that rustic comfort vibe, or plate it up for a more polished dinner. A simple side salad or steamed greens will round out the richness beautifully. Leftovers (if you have any!) keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are Cajun steak bites?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are mild, while others pack a real punch. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount or making your own.

Can I use another cut of steak?

Yes, ribeye or New York strip will work beautifully too. Just aim for something tender and marbled.

What if I don’t have shell pasta?

Any short pasta works! Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni will still hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and cheese sauce in advance, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the steak juicy and the sauce creamy.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Not really. The dairy-based sauce can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

Want More Steak and Pasta Ideas?

You might also love the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you’re craving something tomato-based with a hearty twist.

The Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is another creamy alternative for garlic lovers.

Looking for something bold and punchy? Try the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta — it’s a flavor bomb.

And if you’re in the mood for baked comfort, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti hits all the cozy notes.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this skillet dinner to your weeknight favorites board. Just hit that Pin button.

If you whip this up, I’d love to know how you served it! Did you double the cheese? Swap the pasta? Leave a comment and let’s compare notes.

And for more delicious recipes just like this one, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet is a bold, creamy, one-pan dinner featuring seared Cajun-spiced sirloin steak bites paired with buttery shell pasta coated in a rich garlic cheese sauce. It’s quick, indulgent, and ideal for both weeknight cravings and impressive weekend meals.

Instructions

1. Season cubed steak with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear steak cubes 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Boil shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 30 seconds.

5. Add heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.

6. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and combined.

7. Toss in cooked shell pasta, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Return steak bites to skillet and mix into the cheesy shells.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For the best sear, let your steak cubes rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.

Add pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency without thinning it too much.

If your Cajun seasoning is very salty, reduce the amount or skip additional salt.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 670
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: steak bites, Cajun pasta, one skillet dinner