Description
This skillet recipe pairs spicy Cajun steak bites with creamy, cheesy garlic shells for a quick, comforting meal that sings with bold flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, pat the steak pieces dry and season them with the Cajun seasoning, plus a little salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak in a single layer and sear until browned on the outside and cooked to your liking (about 2–4 minutes per side depending on size). Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant (about 30–45 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and the seared steak back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the cheesy garlic sauce and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Keep heat moderate when making the sauce to ensure the cream stays smooth and the cheese melts evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 100mg