Description
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet combines tender, spice-rubbed steak with shell pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g beef sirloin, cubed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 250g small shell pasta
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch dried lavender buds
- Handful edible microgreens
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Season beef cubes with Cajun seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Sear Steak: Sear steak in olive oil for 4 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Make Sauce Base: Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Build Sauce: Simmer cream, mustard, and lemon juice. Melt in cheeses until smooth.
- Combine & Finish: Add pasta to sauce, adjusting consistency with pasta water. Return steak to skillet, heat through, and stir in remaining butter.
Notes
Using a cast-iron skillet enhances heat retention and creates flavorful fond. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Lavender adds a unique floral note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: steak, pasta, cajun, cheese, skillet, dinner, comfort food, one-pan