Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Picture this: tender steak bites, kissed with fiery Cajun spices, nestled among cheesy garlic shells. The aroma alone will transport you straight to comfort food heaven! Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that’s both simple to create and utterly unforgettable.

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and exciting? This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is your answer. It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that brings a restaurant-worthy experience right to your kitchen table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

• Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes using just one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
• Experience a delightful combination of spicy Cajun flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Enjoy a visually appealing dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
• Customize the spice level and cheese varieties to suit your personal preferences, making it incredibly adaptable.

Ingredients for Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sirloin Steak Choose a high-quality sirloin steak, about 1 pound, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor, and it cooks quickly in the skillet.
• Shell Pasta You’ll need 1 pound of small shell pasta. Shells are perfect for capturing the cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Olive Oil About 2 tablespoons of olive oil are needed. Olive oil is used for searing the steak and sautéing the aromatics, adding a rich base to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning Use 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend. This is the key to the dish’s signature spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Garlic You’ll need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the cheesy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth About 3 cups of chicken broth will be used. Chicken broth creates a flavorful liquid base for cooking the pasta and melding all the ingredients together.
• Heavy Cream Use 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce. Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, providing a classic cheesy flavor.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Use 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its mild and creamy flavor. It complements the cheddar and enhances the overall cheesiness.
• Green Onions About 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, are needed. Green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites

Pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels and toss them in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly coated. This step ensures a flavorful crust when searing.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the shell pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy

Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the cheesy pasta. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Transfer to plates and enjoy this skillet sensation for the perfect finishing touch.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure a culinary masterpiece, orchestrate your cooking like a symphony. First, sear the steak bites to lock in those savory juices. While the steak rests, cook the pasta until al dente. Finally, blend the cheesy garlic sauce and unite everything for a flavor explosion.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the steak for chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyere or pepper jack to kick up the flavor profile. Or, add a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers are a gift! Store your Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and restore that delightful cheesy goodness.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your culinary creation becomes an absolute triumph:

• Make sure your skillet is ripping hot before adding the steak to achieve that perfect crust, guaranteeing a juicy and flavorful interior.

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the steak; work in batches to maintain high heat and achieve optimal browning.

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key to a delightful texture that complements the richness of the steak bites and the cheesy sauce.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember the first time I made this dish, my family devoured it in minutes! My little brother, who’s notoriously picky, even asked for seconds, which is when I knew I had a winner.

Conclusion for Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. From the juicy, spice-kissed steak bites to the comforting, cheesy shells, every bite is a treat. This recipe offers a simple, yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a symphony of deliciousness that will leave you craving more. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is certain to spice up your dinner rotation.

Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet

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Pin Recipe

Delicious cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Sirloin Steak: 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
• Small Shell Pasta: 1 box (12 ounces)
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Toss steak cubes with olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Add cooked pasta and steak bites to the cheese sauce. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Gently reheat the skillet in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
• For extra flavor, let the steak marinate in the Cajun seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

• Author: Kristin Romick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While this recipe sings with sirloin, feel free to experiment. Flank steak, or even a tender cut like ribeye, could work beautifully. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Thinner cuts will cook faster, so keep a watchful eye to avoid overcooking. The key is to achieve that perfectly seared exterior and juicy interior that makes steak bites so irresistible. Using high-quality steak can also improve the texture and flavor of the finished dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Ah, the age-old pasta dilemma! To prevent your cheesy garlic shells from becoming one giant, sticky mass, a few tricks are your allies. First, use plenty of salted water when boiling the pasta. The salt not only seasons the pasta but also helps prevent it from sticking. Second, don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente, which means “to the tooth.” It should have a slight resistance when you bite into it. Finally, immediately drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil or butter. This will coat the shells and prevent them from clinging together while you prepare the cheese sauce.

How spicy are the Cajun Steak Bites in this dish?

The level of spice in these Cajun Steak Bites is entirely up to you! The recipe calls for Cajun seasoning, which can range from mild to fiery. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and then add more to your liking. If you’re spice-averse, look for a mild Cajun seasoning blend, or consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without the heat. Alternatively, for those who like to live dangerously, feel free to crank up the spice with some cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!

Can I prepare this Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep some components in advance. You can cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and store it in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the skillet, simply sear the steak bites and prepare the cheese sauce. Then, combine everything and bake until bubbly and golden. This allows you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort on a busy weeknight.