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.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz shell pasta
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
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