If you love bold flavors and comforting textures all in one skillet, you’re going to adore this Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering dance of tender, perfectly seasoned steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells infused with garlic and a touch of warmth from Cajun spices. Every forkful promises a symphony of satisfaction, making it an ideal dish for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends with something spectacular yet straightforward. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet intentional ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the spicy kick from Cajun seasoning that livens up the steak, the luscious cream and cheese combination that creates the silky pasta sauce, or fresh parsley that adds a burst of color and freshness. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you get cooking.
- 1 pound Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip): Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender bites; flat iron steak works wonderfully if you want to save a little.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This seasoning brings the classic Southern spice – feel free to adjust heat to your liking.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Essential for searing steak and sautéing garlic, but can be swapped with canola or avocado oil.
- 1 tablespoon Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the steak; unsalted butter lets you control seasoning.
- 8 ounces Small pasta shells: Perfect for holding onto that creamy cheese sauce; rotini or penne can substitute if needed.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key to infusing the sauce with a vibrant aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: Creates the silky, decadent base for the cheesy sauce; half-and-half works if you want it lighter.
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar adds depth and that classic cheesy comfort we all crave.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated parmesan boosts the umami and smooths the sauce texture.
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a bright, fresh touch at the end; chives make a lovely alternative.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but absolutely necessary to balance and enhance every flavor.
How to Make Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Begin by drying your steak with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture – this helps achieve a beautiful sear later. Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes, then generously coat each piece with Cajun seasoning so that every bite is infused with bold flavor. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes to absorb all those lovely spices.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling and just starting to brown, carefully add your steak cubes, making sure they’re in a single layer. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until a golden crust forms, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. This quick sear locks in the juices and intensifies the flavor.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce Foundation
If the pan looks a bit dry, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the remaining oil, then lower the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be mindful not to burn it because that will turn bitter.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to blend with the garlic-infused oil. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce slightly and enhance the garlicky richness.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Shells
While your sauce is simmering, cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s a handy secret weapon to loosen the cheese sauce if it gets too thick.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses
Stir shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into the cream sauce, mixing gently until all the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your ideal creamy consistency – not too runny, not too thick.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Steak Bites
Fold the cooked pasta shells into the cheesy sauce, ensuring they’re fully coated. Return the seared Cajun steak bites back into the skillet, folding everything together to marry the flavors. Let it warm through on low heat for about a minute so the steak reheats gently without drying out.
Step 8: Garnish and Season to Perfection
Finish your glorious skillet dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up steaming hot – trust me, the Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe is best enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top gives a lovely color contrast and a herbaceous lift that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors. For a little extra punch, you can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet is quite satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or blistered asparagus would beautifully complement the creamy and spicy elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel that invites everyone to dig in. For a touch of elegance, plate individual servings and top with a few microgreens or a lemon wedge for brightness that cuts through the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftover steak bites and pasta separately for up to 1 month. Freeze the cooked pasta shells and cheese sauce in one container, and steak bites in another to maintain texture quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy and prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While small shells are ideal for catching sauce, rotini, penne, or even macaroni work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
To tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a milder blend. You can also balance spice by adding a little extra cream or cheese in the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces can be seasoned and cooked similarly. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure chicken is cooked through before combining with pasta.
What’s the best way to get tender steak bites?
Make sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. Quick, hot sears will lock in juices, resulting in tender, flavorful bites every time.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap cheeses for dairy-free versions. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe brings together spice, creaminess, and hearty comfort in such a satisfying way that I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your cooking rotation. The best part is how easy it is to make, yet how impressive it tastes. So why not dive in and treat yourself to this delightful meal that feels indulgent but comes together in just under an hour? Your taste buds will thank you!
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Juicy Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Juicy Cajun Steak Bites paired perfectly with a creamy, cheesy garlic shell pasta skillet. This hearty and indulgent dish offers tender steak cubes seasoned with Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and combined with a luscious blend of heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh garlic. Perfect for a comforting dinner that brings a touch of spice and richness to your plate.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip; flat iron steak as a budget option)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust heat level to your preference)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (canola or avocado oil as substitutes)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces Small pasta shells (rotini or penne as alternatives)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, fresh grating recommended)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, freshly grated preferred)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped; chives as alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized cubes. Coat the steak evenly with Cajun seasoning. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter bubbles and turns golden. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the steak bites and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: If needed, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally to thicken slightly.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Melt the Cheeses: Stir shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into the simmering cream sauce. Mix until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Return the seared Cajun steak bites to the skillet, stirring to combine. Heat on low for about a minute to warm everything together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a budget-friendly version, use flat iron steak instead of sirloin or ribeye.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spiciness of the steak bites.
- Freshly grated cheeses provide better melting texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- Alternative pasta shapes like rotini or penne work well if shells are unavailable.
- Use unsalted butter to better control overall saltiness.
