Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells in a skillet, you are missing out! This dish is a flavor explosion that brings together tender, spicy steak bites and creamy, cheesy pasta in one glorious pan. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; the aroma filled the kitchen, and I could barely wait to dig in! It’s such a unique twist on traditional pasta meals, and the best part? It all comes together in just one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation. Trust me, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this dish will steal the show and have everyone coming back for seconds. You won’t regret giving this recipe a try!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together beautifully, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Seasoning the Steak
First things first, let’s give that steak some flavor! Take your bite-sized steak pieces and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning all over. I like to use my hands to rub it in, making sure every piece is evenly coated. This is key for that bold, zesty flavor! Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what makes these bites pop!
Cooking the Steak Bites
Now, heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add in the olive oil. You want that oil nice and hot before adding the steak. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the seasoned steak bites. Sear them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked to your desired doneness. You’re looking for a nice crust on the outside—yum! Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry; we’ll bring it back shortly!
Preparing the Cheesy Garlic Shells
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want it just fragrant, but be careful not to burn it—garlic can go from delicious to bitter real quick! Next, pour in the cream and add your shredded cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy sauce. This is the magic moment! While that’s happening, boil your pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Just a few minutes, and they’ll be ready to join the party!
Combining Ingredients
Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and then add it to the skillet with the cheesy garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Now, bring back those delicious steak bites and mix them in too! This is where you can taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Make sure every bite is bursting with flavor!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the good stuff! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for a serving of these Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But hey, knowing you’re getting a hearty meal packed with protein and flavor? That’s definitely something to feel good about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of Cajun spices and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or adjust the spice level to suit your taste—make it your own!
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the steak and comforting carbs from the pasta, this meal will keep you full and happy.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and flavorful steak make this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet is a total hit! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Keep an eye on your steak while it’s cooking! Since we’re working with bite-sized pieces, they cook up quickly. Aim for a nice medium-rare to medium doneness for the juiciest bites. If you prefer them a bit more done, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Perfectly Creamy Sauce: To ensure your cheese sauce is silky smooth, make sure to stir the cheese into the cream gently as it melts. If it gets too thick, just add a splash more cream to loosen it up!
- Garlic Timing: When sautéing the garlic, remember that it can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat! So, keep it moving in the pan and take it off the heat as soon as it’s fragrant.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your dish at different stages. Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper can make a world of difference, so trust your palate!
- Experiment with Cheese: While I love a good melty cheese, feel free to mix and match your favorites! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist.
- Leftover Magic: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep that creamy texture!
These little tips will help you nail this recipe every time. Enjoy the cooking process, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet, storing them properly is key to keeping all that flavor intact! Let’s dive into how to do just that.
First off, make sure to let your dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent excess moisture buildup, which can make your pasta soggy. I usually like to divide the leftovers into individual portions—it makes reheating a breeze and you can grab just what you need!
Once stored, you can keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to label your container with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy them again!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop. Simply place your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or a little water to help rehydrate the pasta and keep the cheese sauce creamy. Stir occasionally and heat until everything is warmed through. It should only take about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a rush, you can also microwave your leftovers. Just pop them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated to your liking.
And there you have it! Simple storage and reheating tips that ensure your Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet is just as delightful the second time around. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat instead of steak?
Absolutely! If you’re not a steak lover or want to switch things up, you can use chicken or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than steak!
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. If you want a milder dish, feel free to cut back on the cayenne.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prep some elements ahead! Cook the steak and make the cheesy sauce in advance, then just combine everything and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
What sides pair well with Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells?
Great question! A fresh green salad or steamed veggies would be a perfect match to balance the richness of the dish. You could also serve some crusty bread to soak up that delicious cheesy sauce!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Cajun steak bites and cheesy garlic shells skillet is fantastic for meal prep. Just portion out the servings after cooking and store them in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully and makes for a hearty lunch or dinner throughout the week!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta!
Print
Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cajun steak bites served with cheesy garlic shells in a skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season steak pieces with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cream and cheese, stirring until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta and steak, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the Cajun seasoning.
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, skillet meal
