Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce
A delightful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender steak tips, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy Parmesan sauce over penne pasta.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 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 (to tie the flavor together)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Searing the Steak
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add steak to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring constantly. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, mixing until smooth.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and steak tips to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through for about 3-5 minutes.
Garnishing & Serving
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider sautéing bell peppers or mushrooms. Adjust Cajun seasoning according to spice preference.