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
Scale
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.
