Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
Enjoy Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce—rich, spicy, and creamy comfort food made simple. A beginner-friendly weeknight win!
Ingredients
For the Steak Tips:
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Parmesan Penne:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp 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 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss steak tips in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak tips for 3–4 minutes per side. Add butter and baste before removing from pan.
- Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add cream, milk, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Toss in cooked penne, then fold in the seared steak tips. Simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated cheese and room-temperature cream cheese. For a twist, substitute shrimp for steak to make a seafood version of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce.
Nutrition:
Calories: 680 per serving (approx.)
Protein: 40g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 38g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Calories: 680 per serving (approx.)
Protein: 40g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 38g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g