CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN STEAK BITES WITH CAJUN PENNE ALFREDO PASTA
Ingredients:
1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cajun Penne Alfredo Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak bites with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter for Steak:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Return the steak bites to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter, and let them soak up all that flavor for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Build the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and milk, bring to a low simmer. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
Mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until sauce is thick and cheesy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin.
5. Toss cooked penne pasta into the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Stir until fully coated and creamy.
6. Plate the Cajun Alfredo penne and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 1,080 per serving