This dish is full of flavor and easy to cook. It mixes spicy Cajun steak with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and penne. You get protein and pasta in one pan. It works for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.
This recipe makes a warm, filling meal fast. The sauce is creamy and cheesy, and the steak adds a smoky, spicy bite. If you like creamy pasta dishes, try this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken recipe for another easy dinner idea.
How to make Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Follow these steps to cook the dish from start to finish.
Ingredients :
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips, 12 oz penne pasta, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, Salt & black pepper to taste
Directions :
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside. Season steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and whole milk; stir until combined. Mix in cream cheese and cheeses until smooth. Toss cooked penne into the sauce, add steak tips, and warm through for 1-2 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
How to serve Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Serve hot on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Offer lemon wedges if you like a bright touch.
How to store Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to keep the sauce smooth. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Do not overcook the steak. Aim for medium-rare to medium for tender tips.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Warm the cream slightly before adding to the skillet to help the sauce come together.
- Stir often when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
Variation (if any)
- Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine.
- Use chicken breast cubes instead of steak for a milder taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
- Make it spicier by adding cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes. Sirloin and ribeye work best, but skirt or flank can also work if cut into small pieces.
Q: Can I reduce the fat in the sauce?
A: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from splitting?
A: Cook the sauce on low heat and stir the cheese in slowly. Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead and store them separately. Reheat and combine before serving for best texture.
This recipe gives you a fast, creamy, and spicy meal that many people enjoy. For a deeper Cajun cream sauce idea, see this detailed Cajun cream sauce recipe on Little Broken.
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Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful dish combining spicy Cajun steak with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and penne, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Mix in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss cooked penne into the sauce, add steak tips, and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Pat the steak dry for a better sear, and use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
