Description
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this bold and creamy Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne. Tender, juicy steak tips are seared to perfection, then paired with a smoky Cajun cheese sauce that clings to every bite of penne pasta. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and Southern flavor—ideal for a quick dinner, cozy weekend meal, or when you’re craving restaurant-style food at home. This easy recipe brings bold flavor fast, making it one of the best dinner ideas for steak and pasta lovers. Great for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak tips
10 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the steak tips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Let rest at room temperature.
2. Boil penne in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. Lower heat to medium, melt remaining butter, and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
6. Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
7. Mix in additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer 2–3 more minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Add cooked penne to the sauce, toss to coat, and use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
9. Plate the pasta, top with steak tips, and garnish with paprika and parsley if using.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, cheesy Cajun flavors.
Notes
For extra heat, add cayenne or use Pepper Jack cheese in place of cheddar.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce—pre-shredded tends to clump.
Let the steak tips rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cheesy pasta, steak pasta, Cajun recipe, comfort food, quick weeknight meal