Prepare yourself for a symphony of bold flavors and creamy comfort with this Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe. This dish is everything a weeknight winner should be: tender seared steak, perfectly cooked penne, a silky Cajun-spiced sauce, and pops of color from sweet bell peppers and onions. Finished with a glorious shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless—a true crowd-pleaser for steak lovers, pasta enthusiasts, and anyone who craves a little kick at dinnertime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly memorable—just the right ones! Each element in this Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe brings something special to the table, whether it’s rich flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color.
- Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tube shape catch every drop of the Cajun cream sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Thinly sliced for quick, tender cooking and a rich, beefy flavor that stands up to the bold Cajun spices.
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the dish—smoky, spicy, and full of personality. Adjust the heat to your liking!
- Olive Oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the veggies, adding a silky base and a touch of richness.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed for that irresistible garlicky backbone.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: Sweet, juicy, and colorful—these brighten up both the flavor and the look of the dish.
- Red Onion: Sliced thin for a gentle bite and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—the finishing touch that takes the sauce to a whole new level.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and amplifies the savory notes of the steak in the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness to balance the richness and add a pop of green.
- Extra Parmesan: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese when it comes to this recipe!
How to Make Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite. Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t overdo it here!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, toss your thin strips of sirloin or ribeye with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices in a single layer, searing for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned but still tender. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish its journey in the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want all those tasty browned bits!). Toss in the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in the rest of your Cajun seasoning and stir well so every veggie gets a little love.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
With the heat on medium, pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Give it a good stir, then bring to a gentle simmer. Now’s the magical part: stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and watch as the sauce thickens and turns glossy after 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed—remember, you want those flavors to sing!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the drained penne and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and steak are coated in that luscious Cajun cream sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two, then take the pan off the heat. Your Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is ready for its grand entrance!
How to Serve Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter plenty of freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan—watch it melt into the hot, creamy sauce for irresistible cheesy goodness. If you love a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a playful finishing touch!
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and satisfying all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce. For a veggie boost, try roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party vibe, serve the Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe in a large, shallow bowl and let everyone help themselves. Or, for an elegant touch, plate individual portions and twirl the penne into a neat nest, topping each with steak slices, a flourish of parsley, and a dramatic shaving of Parmesan. Mini cast iron skillets also make for a fun, rustic presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal-prep lunches or stress-free next-day dinners. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if you find it even tastier!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may separate a little when thawed. If you do freeze it, use airtight containers and aim to consume within 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir during reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
Gently reheat the Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power. If the sauce seems a bit thick, splash in a little milk or extra cream to revive its silky texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the steak tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching all that creamy Cajun sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. The Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is flexible and just as delicious with your favorite noodle.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning brings a gentle warmth, but it’s easy to dial up or down. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less seasoning and add more to taste. Want to turn up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side.
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Sirloin and ribeye both work beautifully, offering tenderness and flavor. Just slice the steak thinly against the grain for quick cooking and the best texture. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken or shrimp for a tasty twist on the original Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe.
Can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even use a blend of milk and Greek yogurt (added off heat) for a tangy, creamy sauce with less fat. Use less cheese if you wish, but don’t skip it altogether—the Parmesan is key to the flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! Make a batch of the Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe, portion it into containers, and refrigerate. It reheats well and makes a hearty, exciting lunch or quick dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bowl of creamy, spicy pasta with tender steak that lifts your spirits and satisfies every craving. I hope you’ll give this Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe a spot in your weeknight rotation—it’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to impress and bring everyone to the table with smiles. Enjoy every bite!
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Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender slices of seasoned steak with al dente penne pasta in a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of spicy Cajun seasoning and savory flavors, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Steak: While the pasta cooks, season the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste, ensuring the spices coat the meat evenly for a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak slices and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned on the outside but still tender on the inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked penne pasta and seared steak slices to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun steak penne and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level for a milder or spicier dish.
- For a protein variation, substitute steak with chicken breast or shrimp if desired.
- To reduce richness and calories, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Ensure to slice the steak thinly to promote quick cooking and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
