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
Scale
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.
