If you’re craving a dinner that perfectly combines bold, spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort, the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is an absolute must-try. This dish delivers tender, juicy steak bites seasoned with that iconic Cajun kick, nestled atop a luscious bed of garlicky, cheesy pasta shells that soak up every bit of the sauce. It’s the kind of skillet meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, making it a beloved favorite whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends at your next dinner party.

Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and straightforward, the ingredients in this recipe each play a vital role. From the rich, melt-in-your-mouth steak to the creamy, garlicky cheese sauce enveloping the pasta shells, every element adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this skillet dish so irresistible.

1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes: Choose a tender cut to ensure juicy steak bites that sear beautifully.
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This spice blend brings the signature heat and earthiness that gives the dish its bold character.
2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing steak to a nice crust without smoking up your kitchen.
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for steak): Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced (for steak): Infuses the steak bites with an aromatic punch.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant contrast and pops of color.
8 oz medium pasta shells: The perfect shape to cradle the creamy cheese sauce and steak bites.
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce): Builds the base for the luscious garlic cream sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce): Infuses a deeper garlicky flavor into the pasta shells.
1 cup heavy cream: The key to the rich, velvety sauce that coats the shells.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and meltiness that complements the spicy steak.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and an umami depth.
½ tsp paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones in the sauce.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and balance.
Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional): Helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick and keeps it silky smooth.

How to Make Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this seasons the pasta right from the start. Cook the medium pasta shells until al dente; they should be tender but still have a slight bite to hold up well in the cheesy sauce without turning mushy. Before draining, reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will be your secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency later, creating that silky, clingy texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 2: Season and Prepare the Steak Bites

While the pasta cooks, pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful sear. Toss them generously with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial as the dry spices will form a flavorful crust when seared. You want each bite to burst with that signature Cajun warmth, perfectly balanced by the salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat—the secret to a great sear is high heat and patience. Add olive oil, making sure it’s shimmering hot before adding steak bites in batches so they don’t steam. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, letting each piece develop a gorgeous caramelized crust. In the last minute, toss in butter and minced garlic to baste the steak bites, infusing them with buttery, garlicky richness. Remove and set aside to keep the skillet ready for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter along with garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant—this deepens the flavor base. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze, scraping all the browned bits off the pan; these add incredible flavor. Let the cream simmer gently, then add sharp cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt into a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Toss the al dente pasta shells into the cheese sauce, making sure every shell is coated in that thick, cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach the perfect silky consistency that clings right to the shells.

Step 6: Finish with Steak Bites and Parsley

Gently layer the beautifully seared Cajun steak bites right on top of your cheesy garlic shells. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything—not just for garnish but for that fresh pop of flavor and color that really makes this skillet dish sing.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a fresh, herbaceous brightness that balances the richness of the steak and cheese. For an extra dash of zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top is wonderful. You might also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to lift the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

Since the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is so hearty and rich, pairing it with lighter side dishes works beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provides a refreshing contrast. For something more indulgent, garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls make perfect companions to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this skillet straight from the pan for that rustic, comforting vibe that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate a generous scoop of cheesy shells topped with steak bites and garnish with parsley and a drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. For a fun twist, stuff the steak bites and cheesy shells into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve over a bed of sautéed greens for extra color and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the creamy sauce texture. When ready to enjoy again, read on for the best way to reheat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, perfect for busy weeknights. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid a watery sauce upon thawing, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly or add cheese sauce freshly when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Microwaving works too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between to prevent the sauce from separating. Be careful not to overcook the steak bites during reheating to maintain their tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet?

Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye is preferred for tenderness and flavor, you can use flank or skirt steak as well. Just slice thinly and be mindful of cooking time to avoid toughness.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the cayenne for your preferred spice level.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, but medium pasta shells are ideal as their shape holds the cheesy sauce perfectly. Other similar shapes like rotini or penne also work well.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

To lighten it up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, though it will slightly change the sauce’s richness. Use less butter and choose leaner steak cuts too.

How spicy is the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most blends have a moderate amount of spice, but feel free to adjust by adding more or less seasoning or balancing the heat with extra cheese sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite—with its satisfyingly spicy steak, irresistibly cheesy garlic pasta, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to brighten up any weeknight or special occasion. I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you love dishes that bring bold seasoning and creamy textures together on one plate. Give this skillet a try, and I promise it will become a go-to meal you’ll want to make time and again.

Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender, spicy steak bites with creamy, flavorful garlic cheese pasta shells. The juicy steak cubes seasoned with Cajun spices pair perfectly with the rich cheddar and Parmesan sauce, creating a satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
Prepare the steak bites: Pat the steak cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Toss the steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly to coat all pieces.
Sear the steak: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness. In the final minute of cooking each batch, add butter and minced garlic to the pan and toss the steak bites to coat in the flavorful butter garlic mixture. Remove steak bites from the pan and set aside.
Sauté garlic for sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Create the cheese sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flavorful browned bits. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add cheeses and seasoning: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, coating them evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening for a creamier consistency.
Finish and serve: Top the cheesy garlic shells with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Patting the steak dry is essential for a good sear and caramelized crust.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect a less rich texture.
Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent sauce separation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and sautéing
Cuisine: American