Description
A delicious combination of seared Cajun-spiced steak bites and creamy, cheesy pasta shells.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. The shells are perfect for catching all that creamy garlic sauce later.
- Season the steak – Pat the steak pieces dry and toss them with Cajun seasoning. This step is important because it helps the steak develop a flavorful crust when seared.
- Sear the steak bites – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes to build that beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook another 2 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the garlic butter base – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The garlic butter forms the heart of the creamy sauce.
- Create the creamy cheese sauce – Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently. Add paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add the cheese – Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese gradually. The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and rich.
- Combine pasta and steak – Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and stir until every shell is coated in the cheesy garlic mixture. Return the steak bites to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
- Finish and serve – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve the Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet warm while the cheese is still perfectly melty.
Notes
- This dish can be served as a hearty main course for a cozy dinner.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg