Description
Savor a delicious and creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce dish, combining tender, spicy steak tips with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with Cajun flavors. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season and sear the steak tips: In a bowl, season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add cheeses and seasoning: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Add additional Cajun seasoning to taste, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine pasta, steak, and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and seared steak tips back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the Cajun steak tips with penne in creamy Parmesan cheese sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye tip steaks for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference—add more for extra heat or reduce for milder flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
- The mozzarella adds a nice melty texture; you can omit or replace with another melting cheese if preferred.
- Make sure to soften cream cheese beforehand to achieve a smooth sauce without lumps.
