Description
A delicious and hearty dish featuring Cajun garlic steak bites served over creamy shell pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and keep warm.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheeses, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Transfer pasta to the skillet with steak bites, mixing gently.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg