Cajun Steak Tips with Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cheddar-Cajun Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thick strips or steak tips
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, then reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss the penne into the sauce until fully coated, adding pasta water if needed for creaminess.
3. Pat steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Reduce heat, add 3 tbsp butter and the remaining garlic, and baste the steak tips in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes.
4. Plate the creamy Cajun penne on one side and the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Spoon pan butter over the steak and finish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 850 per serving