Looking to bring a little sizzle to your dinner routine? Cajun Steak Bites with Cheesy Garlic Shell Pasta Skillet delivers bold flavor and comfort in every bite. This skillet meal is a crave-worthy combo of juicy seared steak bites with a punchy Cajun crust, nestled beside velvety, garlic-kissed pasta shells coated in a rich cheese sauce. It’s the kind of indulgent, satisfying dish that feels like a steakhouse dinner—minus the price tag and wait time.

Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe brings together two comfort food powerhouses in one skillet: creamy pasta and seared meat. Each steak cube is seasoned to perfection and seared until the outside is crisp while the inside stays tender and juicy. Meanwhile, the pasta shells soak up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness, making this a balanced meal with minimal cleanup.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For optimal tenderness and flavor, go with a well-marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts cook quickly and develop a beautiful crust when seared in a hot skillet. If you’re on a budget, sirloin tips are a great choice—they still deliver that juicy bite and take well to Cajun seasoning.

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

Sirloin Steak Bites
These tender bites are the protein centerpiece. Cubed and seasoned with Cajun spice, they sear beautifully in a cast-iron skillet.

Cajun Seasoning
A smoky, spicy blend that gives the steak its signature flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.

Pasta Shells
Their curved shape is perfect for scooping up all that creamy cheese sauce. Medium-sized shells work best here.

Heavy Cream
This is what gives the pasta its rich, luscious texture. It binds the cheese into a silky sauce.

Garlic (Fresh Minced)
Fresh garlic adds that deep aromatic base to the pasta sauce and complements the Cajun kick from the steak.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese
For bold, tangy cheesiness. Melts beautifully into the cream to create the ultimate comfort sauce.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese sauce and thickens it slightly.

Butter
Used for both searing the steak and sautéing the garlic, butter infuses the dish with extra richness.

Fresh Parsley & Diced Tomato (Optional)
These brighten up the dish with color and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and steak.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

Cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then toss them generously with Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated well. Let the steak rest while you prep the pasta.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Cajun Steak Bites

In a hot cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the cheese sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the cheesy garlic pasta with the Cajun steak bites on top or to the side. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and diced tomatoes if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet

Serve this skillet hot, straight from the pan. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the steak bites on top of the creamy pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. It’s an impressive main dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining friends.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the cheese sauce.

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

Garlic Roasted Green Beans

Their crispness and slight char add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Toasted Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up every last drop of that cheesy sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan for a peppery, bright side.

Grilled Asparagus

Smoky, tender spears make a light and nutritious companion.

Cajun Roasted Potatoes

Dial up the Southern charm by pairing with crispy seasoned potato bites.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool, crunchy texture helps balance the richness of the skillet.

Lemon-Herb Corn on the Cob

Adds sweetness and a burst of citrusy freshness.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter and garlic bring an extra savory note that complements the steak.

Want More Steak and Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you’re loving the bold flavors of this Cajun skillet dish, you’ll definitely want to explore these other creamy and savory options:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is another hearty dish packed with meaty flavor and tender pasta.
One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini brings bold, garlicky heat in a quick weeknight-friendly format.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a go-to for comfort food lovers with a cheesy twist.
One Pot Cheesy Mozzarella Cajun Steak Pasta Fest for more Cajun spice and gooey cheese in every forkful.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce takes pasta night to a whole new level with cheesesteak-inspired indulgence.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with extra cayenne? Add bell peppers or onions? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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