Description
This Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic Parmesan is a flavorful and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender sirloin steak, al dente penne, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner with a spicy kick and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
Sauce and Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced sirloin steak with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
- Brown the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak slices in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they are browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked penne pasta and the browned steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Warm Through and Serve: Let the combined dish simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything thoroughly. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or fresh spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrients.
