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If you crave a dish that bursts with bold flavors nestled in a luxuriously smooth sauce, this Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender slices of sirloin steak, perfectly spiced with Cajun seasoning, meet al dente penne pasta swimming in a heavenly cream sauce enriched by fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting yet exciting meal that satisfies your steak cravings while wrapping you in indulgent, creamy goodness from the very first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right comes down to a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own magic: from the spicy warmth of Cajun seasoning to the creamy silkiness of heavy cream, every component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and juicy steak slices.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Tender and flavorful, this cut is ideal for quick searing.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided): Adds that fiery, aromatic kick essential to the dish’s character.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak to a beautiful brown crust without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce and helps mellow the garlic’s bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the creamy sauce with depth and a fragrant punch.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Subtly enhances the spice without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who loves an extra hint of heat and excitement.
- Salt, to taste: Balances and brightens all the flavors beautifully.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh, green pop of color and mild herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite—this texture helps the pasta hold up well in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
Take the thinly sliced sirloin steak and toss it with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. This initial seasoning jump-starts the layers of spicy flavor. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steak strips. Sear them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust but remain juicy inside. Remove the cooked steak from the pan and set it aside—this quick sear locks in the steak’s tenderness.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Use the same skillet to melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown; this keeps the flavor bright and fresh. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese along with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly into a rich, velvety mixture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now the fun part: add the cooked penne and the seared steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the pasta and meat are coated evenly in that decadent creamy sauce. Allow it to warm through on low heat, making sure every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top and, if you like, a bit more Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve this dish piping hot and watch it disappear quickly at the dinner table!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley brings a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, spiced sauce, while extra grated Parmesan adds an irresistible salty kick and slightly crunchy texture. You can also add a few lemon zest shreds for a fresh zing if you want to brighten the dish even more.
Side Dishes
Because this Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is rich and filling on its own, light sides complement it best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables provide balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair beautifully if you’re craving something to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the penne in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra cream sauce on top. Add a sprig of parsley or a grating of Parmesan for visual appeal. For casual dinners, plating in a family-style dish right on the table creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken as it cools, so you’ll want to gently reheat it before serving to bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but is best reheated fresh if possible. If you do decide to freeze, place the cooked and cooled penne with steak and sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the creamy Cajun steak penne gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much, ensuring it returns to that smooth, luscious consistency you fell in love with the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye, flank, or even strip steak work well here—just make sure to slice it thinly and cook it quickly so it stays tender.
Is this dish very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning provides a pleasant spicy warmth, but you can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or skipping the red pepper flakes if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
While heavy cream creates that perfect velvety sauce, you can try half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich or thick.
What pasta can I use instead of penne?
Any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle can replace penne nicely. Just choose pasta that holds sauce well to get the best flavor experience.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the steak for hearty grilled mushrooms or spicy tofu. Just season them with Cajun spices and pan-sear similarly for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly for a soul-warming meal. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special weekend dinner, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Trust me, once you dive into this creamy, spicy, and savory masterpiece, it will become your go-to comfort food that never fails to impress.
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Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne combines tender sirloin steak and al dente penne pasta in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, this skillet-cooked dish is perfect for anyone craving a flavorful, hearty pasta meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced sirloin steak with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt to evenly coat the meat.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust and are just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked penne and seared steak back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- If sirloin steak is unavailable, flank steak or ribeye can be used as alternatives.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
