Smoky, bold, and indulgent, Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet is what dinner dreams are made of. Tender steak pieces seared to perfection are tossed in Cajun seasoning, then nestled into creamy, cheesy pasta shells with plenty of garlic butter. It’s a skillet sensation that brings both sizzle and comfort in one pan.

This dish takes your weeknight meals to the next level without a lot of effort. The steak bites have that restaurant-worthy crust, while the pasta shells soak up every bit of the rich, creamy cheese sauce. Garlic lovers, this one is definitely for you. Whether it’s date night or a hungry family, this recipe delivers flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

This one-skillet wonder is all about texture and flavor. The contrast of juicy steak with velvety pasta makes it impossible to resist. It’s hearty enough for colder nights but quick enough for a 30-minute dinner. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup.

Using store-bought Cajun seasoning keeps things simple, but the outcome tastes anything but basic. And if you enjoy recipes that blend bold Southern spice with creamy comfort food, this skillet will be on repeat in your kitchen.

What Kind of Steak Works Best for Cajun Steak Bites?

For this skillet, sirloin is a top pick. It’s flavorful, lean, and holds up well to high heat searing. Ribeye or New York strip also work beautifully if you want even more richness.

Just be sure to cut the steak into evenly sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly. And let it rest before slicing to keep those juices locked in.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

This skillet meal is comfort food magic made with simple, flavorful ingredients. Every component serves a purpose, and when combined, they create a dish full of richness and boldness. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Steak (sirloin or ribeye)
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Shell pasta
Butter
Minced garlic
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley

How To Make the Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your shell pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside while the rest comes together.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Season your steak pieces generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites in batches to avoid crowding. Let each side brown without moving it too much. Remove the steak from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted into a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked shell pasta into the garlic cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Steak and Finish

Return the steak bites to the skillet and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let it all warm through for a minute or two. Serve hot right out of the skillet.

Serving and Storing Your Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet

This savory skillet dish serves about 4 people, perfect for a family meal or when you’re craving bold flavors on a casual dinner night. Serve it straight from the pan to keep it piping hot and let the creamy sauce hug each pasta shell. The Cajun spices intensify slightly as it rests, making leftovers just as crave-worthy.

Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce can separate.

What to Serve With Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet?

Garlic Bread

A crusty loaf or buttery garlic bread slices make the perfect side to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The roasted, slightly crisp edges of broccoli balance the richness of the steak and cream sauce.

Garden Salad

A simple salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette brings a fresh contrast.

Grilled Asparagus

A quick grill or roast of asparagus adds a touch of char and a green pop to your plate.

Cornbread Muffins

Sweet, buttery cornbread muffins offer a Southern twist to the meal.

Creamy Coleslaw

The tangy crunch of coleslaw can help cool down the heat of the Cajun spices.

Sauteed Spinach

Garlic-sauteed spinach is quick and adds extra greens to the dish with minimal effort.

Pickled Jalapeños or Okra

If you like heat and tang, a side of pickled veggies brings bold personality to the plate.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the flavors of this Cajun steak skillet, you might want to keep these other comforting favorites on your menu rotation:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe when you want the same creamy pasta base but with ground beef.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for an easy weeknight comfort food classic.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re in the mood for a cheesy white sauce twist.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you want creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every forkful.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, one-pan dinner comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a bit more Cajun for heat? Did you toss in bell peppers or mushrooms?

I love seeing your twists on this recipe. Don’t be shy—questions and tips are welcome, too. Let’s cook and share together.

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