There is nothing quite like the hearty, unbeatable comfort of an Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly seared, juicy steak tips coated in bold Cajun spices, then nestled on a bed of creamy, cheesy penne pasta that is rich with parmesan and a velvety sauce. This dish is an incredible fusion of robust flavors and creamy indulgence that is bound to become a favorite dinner rotation. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises an inviting, soul-warming meal that comes together surprisingly quickly with simple ingredients you’ll love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in crafting that luscious balance of spice, creaminess, and texture. From the tender steak tips to the fresh parmesan, simplicity shines through to create a dish that feels decadent but is straightforward to prepare.
- 8 oz Penne Pasta: Provides structure and holds the sauce beautifully, giving you bite-sized pasta pieces perfect for coating with rich cheese sauce.
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips: Choose tender cuts to ensure juicy, flavorful steak that complements the creamy pasta.
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds a spicy, smoky depth that makes the steak tips pop with personality.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious richness and creamy texture to the sauce, elevating the whole dish.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan offers sharp, nutty flavors and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Enriches the sauce while sautéing garlic, lending a smooth buttery base.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Ideal for getting a perfect sear on the steak tips, locking in flavor and juices.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic brightens the sauce with its aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds inviting smoky sweetness along with a pop of color as a garnish.
- 2 tbsp Parsley: Fresh parsley balances the dish with a touch of green freshness and mild herbal notes.
How to Make Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente—firm but tender to the bite. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of pasta water; this starchy water will help you adjust the sauce consistency later on. Once drained, set the pasta aside while you focus on the star ingredient: the steak.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Steak Tips
Pat your sirloin steak tips dry with paper towels to ensure a great sear. Coat the pieces evenly with your Cajun seasoning for that signature spicy kick. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steak tips in a single layer. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a delicious caramelized crust. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the cream thicken and concentrate its flavor. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until it melts smoothly into a rich, velvety sauce. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or additional Cajun seasoning if you like extra heat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked penne to the skillet with your creamy parmesan sauce. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the sauce consistency you prefer—silky, smooth, and clinging beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve your indulgent pasta on warm plates, topping it generously with the spiced steak tips. Sprinkle smoked paprika and chopped parsley over the top to add a smoky aroma and an inviting pop of color. Now you have a stunning, restaurant-quality dish ready to delight!
How to Serve Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with smoked paprika brings a lovely smoky undertone and vibrant red color, making each serving visually appealing and extra flavorful. Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of green freshness that cuts through the richness, balancing each bite.
Side Dishes
Because this dish carries bold and creamy flavors, pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables works wonderfully. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are also fantastic to mop up any leftover sauce and complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at a dinner party? Serve portions in shallow bowls for a cozy feel, layering pasta first and placing steak tips on top as a centerpiece. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table allows guests to customize their cheesy bliss further. For an individual touch, garnish each plate with a small lemon wedge to brighten flavors with a squeeze if desired.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal—but be sure to keep the steak tips and pasta sauce together to maintain that creamy consistency.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing this dish may affect the creamy sauce texture as dairy can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, separate the sauce from the pasta and steak tips. Freeze them individually in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before combining and reheating gently.
Reheating
For reheating, warm your leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the silky sauce. Stir gently to recombine and heat through evenly—microwaving is an option but can sometimes make the sauce separate, so slow stovetop reheating is preferred for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with other tender cuts like ribeye or flank steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a noticeable but balanced heat with a smoky undertone. You can always control the spice level by adjusting the amount used or choosing a milder seasoning blend.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results and that indulgent texture, heavy cream is recommended.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To adapt this dish for vegetarians, swap steak tips with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth to enrich the sauce and maintain savory depth.
What type of parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is always best because it melts smoothly and provides the authentic nutty flavor crucial for this sauce. Avoid pre-grated powdered versions for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing the Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It brings together bold spices, tender steak, and a luscious, cheesy sauce in a way that feels like a celebration on your plate. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food that’s a little elevated and for weekends when you want to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll cherish it as much as I do—so grab your skillet and start cooking!
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Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned sirloin steak tips served over penne pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce. This indulgent meal balances smoky spices with a luscious sauce that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
Steak
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Season and Sear Steak: Pat the sirloin steak tips dry and evenly coat them with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a rich caramelized crust. Remove the steak from the skillet, transfer to a plate, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding salt or additional Cajun seasoning as desired.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy penne pasta and top it with the seared Cajun steak tips. Sprinkle smoked paprika and chopped parsley over the dish for the perfect smoky flavor and fresh color contrast. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the smoked paprika garnish.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Rest steak tips briefly after searing to allow juices to redistribute for tender bites.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
