Print

Cajun Steak Tips with Parmesan Penne

Cajun Steak Tips with Parmesan Penne
Print Recipe

Cajun Steak Tips with Parmesan Penne is a creamy, hearty pasta dinner with tender seared steak, garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, and a cheesy Parmesan mozzarella sauce. The penne holds onto the sauce beautifully, making this a rich 35 mins meal for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the steak: Toss the steak tips with 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear until browned and cooked to your liking, then add 1 tablespoon butter during the final minute and spoon it over the steak.
  4. Start the sauce: Transfer the steak to a plate. Lower the heat to medium, melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, add the garlic, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth, then mix in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning over low heat until melted.
  6. Combine and finish: Fold the penne into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Return the steak and juices to the skillet, gently toss, warm for 1 minute, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in so the sauce stays creamy instead of turning grainy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak pasta

Find it online: https://thesavorymama.com/cajun-steak-tips-with-parmesan-penne/