Description
Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is a bold, flavor-packed pasta dish that pairs tender steak strips with a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Finished with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the sliced sirloin with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss everything together. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap sirloin with ribeye or strip steak for an even richer bite.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: creamy cajun steak pasta, cajun penne, garlic parmesan steak pasta, spicy steak pasta, one pan dinner