Description

Craving bold flavor and serious comfort in one dish? This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce delivers smoky, juicy steak tips coated in Cajun spices, nestled next to rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that melts in your mouth. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight meal or dinner party centerpiece, this easy dinner recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy comfort food, creamy pasta, and steakhouse-style meals at home. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a hearty recipe for two, or new pasta and steak combos, this dish will hit the spot every time.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips

1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat the steak tips dry and place them in a bowl. Toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and crusty. Use a thermometer for doneness if needed. Remove and let rest.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and heat gently. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

5. Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.

6. Add the cooked penne to the sauce. Stir well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Plate the cheesy pasta and top or serve alongside with steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley.

8. Serve hot and enjoy the bold Cajun flavors with creamy comfort!

Notes

Let steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce—pre-shredded can turn grainy.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to fix the texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 970mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, creamy pasta, penne Parmesan, steak dinner ideas, comfort food, easy recipe, spicy pasta