Description
Savor the rich flavors of our Indulgent Cajun Steak Bites paired with a creamy, cheesy garlic pasta skillet. This dish features tender steak bites seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and served with a luscious pasta tossed in a decadent blend of heavy cream, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, elevated by fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together quickly in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 450 g Steak (sirloin or ribeye) (Flat iron is budget-friendly)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust to preference)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (For searing)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
Cheesy Garlic Pasta Skillet
- 225 g Small pasta shells (Substitute with your favorite pasta if needed)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (For creamy sauce)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (Adds gooey texture)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Use fresh for best results)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This will ensure flavorful, spicy steak bites.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak bites and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheesy garlic sauce: In the same skillet used for steak, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheeses: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Combine steak and pasta: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and gently fold them into the cheesy garlic pasta, allowing flavors to meld for a minute.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best indulgent experience.
Notes
- Use flat iron steak as a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing tenderness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the sauce flavor better than pre-grated varieties.
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
