Experience a delightful fusion of robust Cajun flavors and creamy cheesy pasta with this unforgettable skillet meal. Perfectly seared steak bites bring a smoky, spicy punch, while the cheesy garlic shells create a luscious, comforting base that complements each bite beautifully.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Ready in just 40 minutes, it promises a satisfying plate packed with bold flavors and rich textures.
- The tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites provide a spicy, juicy protein kick that enhances every forkful.
- Cheesy garlic shells offer a creamy, indulgent side balancing the bold steak perfectly.
- Cook everything in one skillet, making cleanup quick and easy while preserving deep, melded flavors.
- This gluten-free dish suits various dietary needs without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak or ribeye (1 ½ lbs): Choose high-quality steak cut into bite-sized cubes for tender, juicy pieces bursting with flavor.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp): A blend of spices adding smoky, spicy depth to the steak with classic Southern flair.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing steak bites to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp total): Adds silky richness both during steak cooking and in the creamy pasta sauce.
- Garlic cloves (5 total, minced): Fresh minced garlic imparts an aromatic, pungent note throughout the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the steak and pasta sauce to enhance all flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a bright, herbal freshness and colorful finishing touch.
- Medium pasta shells (8 oz): Their shape holds creamy sauce perfectly for every bite.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luscious, silky base for the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Provides a vibrant, tangy cheese flavor with creamy meltability.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, savory depth to the cheese sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Offers subtle smokiness and enhances the vibrant color of the sauce.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Gives a mild heat and balances richness in the creamy cheese mixture.
- Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup, optional): Helps loosen the sauce for the perfect silky consistency.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta shells until just tender but firm to the bite. Reserving some pasta water before draining allows you to adjust the sauce’s consistency later for a smooth coating.
- Season Steak Cubes
Pat the steak cubes dry to promote a good sear and toss them evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step ensures the bold spices adhere well and create rich flavor.
- Sear Steak Bites in Skillet
Heat olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet and sear the steak cubes in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to develop a caramelized crust. Adding butter and garlic in the final minute layers in richness and aromatic garlic flavor to the steak.
- Sauté Garlic for Sauce
Reduce heat to medium, then add butter and additional minced garlic to the same skillet. Sautéing briefly releases the garlic’s fragrant flavors that will infuse the cream sauce.
- Prepare Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to deglaze, lifting any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Simmer the cream gently before adding shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Add the drained pasta shells back into the skillet and toss until fully coated with the sauce. Stir in reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce feels too thick, enhancing silkiness and ensuring every shell is luscious and flavorful.
- Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, gently folding them into the cheesy shells. This step melds the spicy meat with the creamy pasta, creating harmonious layers of taste and texture.
- Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add color and brightness. Serve the skillet hot immediately for the best combination of juicy steak and creamy pasta.
- Let the steak reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning strength according to your spice preference for personalized flavor intensity.
- Do not overcook steak bites; quick searing preserves their juiciness and tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starches that help emulsify and smooth the cheese sauce.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green vegetables like asparagus or sautéed spinach. A crisp green salad and crusty gluten-free bread can also round out the meal beautifully.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a beautiful sear on steak and carries heat evenly for the sauce.
- Patting steak dry before seasoning prevents steaming, ensuring a brown crust develops.
- Freshly minced garlic delivers more intense flavor than pre-minced versions in both the steak and sauce.
- To keep the cheese sauce smooth, grate your own cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties that often contain anti-caking agents.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye or sirloin work best due to tenderness and flavor. Avoid tough cuts as they require longer cooking.
- Is this dish truly gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta shells and check your Cajun seasoning for additives, this dish remains gluten free.
- Can I substitute another type of cheese?
Creamy varieties like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used but may alter the flavor profile slightly.
- What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet works well for searing and making the sauce, though cast iron provides optimal heat retention.
- How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
The spice level varies by blend, but it typically offers a moderate heat. Adjust the amount or choose mild seasoning to suit your taste.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and make the cheese sauce separately but combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.
Cajun Steak Bites with Cheese Shells
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 cast iron skillet or heavy skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente; reserve ¼ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Pat steak cubes dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
- In the last minute of cooking steak, add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 minced garlic cloves, tossing to coat the steak.
- Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons butter and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan, then simmer gently.
- Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt; stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Toss cooked pasta shells into cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top cheesy shells with seared steak bites, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let steak reach room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to preferred spice level.
- Avoid overcooking steak bites to keep them juicy.
- Use reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
