Okay, buckle up, because this pasta dish is bringing major flavor to your table. Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is the kind of meal that feels like a steakhouse dinner and a cozy pasta night had a delicious baby. It’s bold, creamy, garlicky, and downright irresistible.

Tender slices of juicy sirloin steak are seasoned with smoky Cajun spices and paired with penne pasta that’s smothered in a garlicky, cheesy, pepper-flecked cream sauce. The best part? It all comes together in under an hour—making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend wow.

Trust me, this one’s hearty, comforting, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Steak + pasta = pure comfort food bliss.
• Creamy Cajun sauce with garlic and Parmesan? Say less.
• One pan wonder. Easy cleanup and rich, restaurant-style results.
• Customizable heat. Add more or less crushed red pepper to suit your spice vibe.

Ingredients

Steak & Pasta

• 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak until browned and just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly (about 5 minutes), then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking—smooth, velvety, and cheesy!

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta and steak back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, sprinkled with a little extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper. A touch of fresh parsley wouldn’t hurt either!

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Slice the steak thin against the grain for max tenderness.
• Don’t skip reducing the broth—it builds serious flavor into the sauce.
• Add mushrooms or spinach if you want more veggie power.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to keep it silky.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef?
Absolutely. Flank steak or ribeye also work well—just slice it thin and cook it quickly to keep it tender.

Can I make it less spicy?
Yep! Cut back or skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.

Is this good for meal prep?
Totally. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently for the perfect make-ahead comfort meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Steak Penne is rich, bold, and built to satisfy your deepest dinner cravings. From the spicy seared steak to the luscious Parmesan-garlic cream sauce, every bite delivers a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.

Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself to something special, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness. So go ahead—pour yourself a glass of wine, twirl up a forkful, and savor the magic. You’re going to love this one.

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Watch How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan