Description
A mouthwatering dish of Cajun steak bites paired with creamy garlic and cheese pasta shells.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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. Cook pasta shells to al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. In the final minute, add butter and minced garlic; toss to coat. Remove steak bites and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer gently.
- Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Toss cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with seared steak bites and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the steak is at room temperature for even cooking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste preference.
- Do not overcook the steak bites for a juicy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg