Go Back

Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce

Tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips and penne pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce make an impressive dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for steak
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for sauce
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • Grater for cheese

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat steak tips dry with paper towels. Mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture all over steak tips until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still pink in the center. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
  5. Add cream cheese in small pieces and whisk constantly until completely melted and smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly as cheese melts. Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and stir well. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add drained penne to the skillet and toss until well coated with sauce. Return steak tips to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Gently mix everything together and let steak warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
  8. Transfer to plates or a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Can substitute chicken breast, portobello mushrooms, or firm tofu for the steak. Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the smoothest sauce. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for preferred heat level. Sauce may thicken when refrigerated; add milk when reheating.