If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort, then the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings tender, seasoned steak tips sizzling with Cajun spices together with penne pasta drenched in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s a soulful combination that’s as satisfying as it is exciting, great for impressing friends or treating yourself on any night. Every bite bursts with rich, vibrant flavors and a velvety texture that hugs your palate, making this recipe an absolute favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony in this dish, each playing an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty steak to the creamy, cheesy sauce, these components are easy to find and masterfully elevate the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe.
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak Tips: Tender and juicy, sirloin is the ideal cut, but ribeye or strip steak work beautifully too.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning: A perfect blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme that delivers bold Southern flair.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor boost.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Butter: Used for searing the steak to a golden perfection and adds richness.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: Its hollow tubes are perfect for capturing all the cheesy sauce; rigatoni is a great alternative.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious base of the sauce, though half and half can lighten it up.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and sharpness in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra kick, it adds a spirited heat.
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Tips
Start by patting your sirloin steak tips dry to ensure a perfect sear. Toss them in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until each piece is generously coated. This initial step is crucial as it infuses the meat with that irresistible Cajun personality.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the steak tips in a single layer. Sear them without moving for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a beautiful crust forms. This caramelization locks in juices and flavor, taking your steak tips to the next level.
Step 3: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the steak rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later. This helps maintain that perfectly creamy sauce consistency.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until you achieve a smooth, velvety sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up without sacrificing creaminess.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak Tips
Add the cooked penne to the creamy sauce, coating it thoroughly. Gently fold in the seared steak tips, allowing all the flavors to marry. Finish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper if using, adding both color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish while adding a vibrant green contrast. For an added touch, a little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts to double down on flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add texture and balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also work wonders to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the steak tips and penne in individual shallow bowls for an intimate feel. You might also try layering the penne and steak tips in a baking dish, topping with extra Parmesan, then broiling briefly for a bubbly, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to separate the steak tips from the pasta to maintain texture. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cheese from curdling or the steak from getting too tough.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne works well because of its shape, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle can be delicious alternatives that hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and consider using a milder Cajun seasoning blend. The dish remains flavorful without overwhelming heat.
What’s the best cut of steak to use for the tips?
Sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak are excellent choices too, depending on your budget and preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can adapt it by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free cream and cheese options, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
Prep time is around 20 minutes, with cooking taking about 15 minutes, so you can have a rich, comforting meal on your table in under 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably satisfying about the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Its wonderful mix of spicy, creamy, and savory elements makes it a standout dinner for both weeknights and special occasions. Give it a try – I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection too.
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Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
Savor the bold and comforting flavors of Cajun Steak Tips paired perfectly with a rich and creamy Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce. This hearty dish combines tender sirloin steak tips seasoned with traditional Cajun spices and seared to perfection, served over al dente penne bathed in a luscious parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and a touch of crushed red pepper for an optional kick. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare yet impressive in taste.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak Tips (alternatives include ribeye or strip steak)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for searing steak)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with rigatoni)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half and half for lighter sauce)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Pat the sirloin steak tips dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until well-coated. This seasoning blend will infuse the meat with robust, spicy flavors.
- Sear the Steak Tips: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Once hot, add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak tips from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Simmer the cream gently until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to evenly coat the pasta with the parmesan sauce. Add the chopped parsley and crushed red pepper if using, mixing well.
- Finish and Serve: Return the seared steak tips to the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta and sauce mixture to warm through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use ribeye or strip steak as alternatives to sirloin for different textures and flavors.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half and half but expect a thinner consistency.
- Crushed red pepper is optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Reserve pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency smoothly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives optimal flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
