Description
Bold Cajun steak bites meet ultra-creamy garlic shell pasta in this one-skillet wonder. Perfect for a quick dinner, hearty meal prep, or when you’re craving something rich and flavorful, this dish balances heat and creaminess in every bite. With juicy seared steak and a cheese-loaded pasta sauce, it checks all the boxes for easy dinner ideas, comfort food cravings, and food ideas that impress without stress. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite or a decadent date night option, this easy recipe delivers.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
10 oz medium pasta shells
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear each side for about 2 minutes. Do this in batches if needed.
6. Once cooked, remove steak from skillet. Melt butter in the hot pan and pour over steak bites.
7. In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
8. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
9. Lower heat and slowly stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
10. Add cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
11. Plate the pasta and top with Cajun steak bites.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat steak dry before cooking to get a proper sear.
Use freshly shredded cheese to avoid a grainy sauce.
Cook pasta al dente so it holds shape and absorbs sauce better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: easy dinner, steak pasta, cajun skillet, cheesy pasta, comfort food