If you’re craving a dish that combines bold spices with creamy, cheesy comfort, look no further than this Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a decadent meal featuring tender, perfectly seasoned steak tips enveloped in a luscious, Parmesan-infused penne sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, this recipe promises a satisfying feast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, from the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning to the creamy richness of Parmesan and heavy cream.
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips: Choose sirloin for its tenderness and flavor, but ribeye works wonderfully if you prefer a bit more marbling.
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: This is the heart of the dish’s bold, spicy character; feel free to use your favorite blend or make your own.
- 1 tbsp Butter: Unsalted is preferred, lending a smooth richness when searing the steak and building the sauce.
- 8 oz Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to catch every bit of that creamy sauce; rigatoni is a good swap for a change in texture.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that binds the sauce and enriches each bite.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly to create that irresistible cheesy depth.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Or freshly minced garlic if you prefer more pronounced garlic notes.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and balance; fresh onion works just as well.
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley: For garnish, providing a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout to bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak Tips
Start by generously coating your sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Letting the steak rest for 20 minutes after seasoning allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat, setting the stage for that signature bold flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne until it’s perfectly al dente, usually around 9 to 11 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy water can work wonders later for adjusting the sauce’s texture.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add your steak tips, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This quick searing seals in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits left from the steak. Stir in Parmesan cheese, more Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and richly aromatic.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce
Return the drained penne to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated with the luscious sauce. Then fold in the seared steak tips, warming everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish is hot and ready to serve.
How to Serve Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also brings a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich creaminess. For those who like a little extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes elevates the dish with a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables offers a nice contrast in texture and lightness. Garlic bread is also a fantastic companion to sop up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves while enjoying the vibrant aroma at the table. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley for a personalized touch that feels just a bit more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors remain intact, and the sauce might thicken slightly, which is easily fixed during reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to separate the pasta and steak from the sauce if possible. Freeze components individually in tightly sealed containers for up to 2 months. This helps preserve the texture and flavor when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep the steak tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, ribeye or even flank steak can work well as substitutes, just adjust your cooking time accordingly to maintain juiciness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Most of these hold up nicely with creamy sauces, so you won’t miss the traditional wheat-based pasta at all.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the steak tips in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking to allow flavors to develop. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and assemble the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture and taste.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese to recreate richness, though the sauce might be slightly less thick and luscious than with heavy cream.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The level of spice depends on your Cajun blend; it generally offers a moderate kick with a balance of herbs and spices. You can adjust the amount used or choose a milder seasoning if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe that makes it a beloved comfort food with a twist. It’s bold, rich, and downright satisfying, perfect for treating yourself or impressing friends and family. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal that feels both luxurious and wonderfully homey.
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Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
Savor a rich and flavorful meal with these Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips paired with a creamy, cheesy Penne Parmesan sauce. This dish features tender sirloin steak tips seasoned with bold Cajun spices and cooked to perfection, then combined with penne pasta coated in a decadent Parmesan heavy cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner that blends spicy zest with creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips (can be substituted with ribeye)
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (or make your own)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (or fresh onion)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz Penne Pasta (can swap with rigatoni)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley
- Crushed Red Pepper, as desired
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Generously coat the sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the steak rest for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sear the Steak Tips: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the steak tips and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet to deglaze, stirring to loosen flavorful bits from the bottom. Add Parmesan cheese, additional Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta and Steak in Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to fully coat each piece. Fold the seared steak tips back into the skillet and warm everything through for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and steak mixture, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the steak to rest after seasoning helps the flavors absorb better.
- Reserving pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
- For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper.
- Substituting ribeye for sirloin will add more marbling and tenderness.
