Cajun Steak Tips with Tortellini in Creamy Parmesan Cheddar-Cajun Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 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
18 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
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 the tortellini and cook just until tender, about 3–4 minutes if fresh. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, letting it warm through. Reduce the heat and whisk in the cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Fold in the tortellini until each piece is coated in sauce, loosening with pasta water if needed.
3. Pat the 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 until shimmering. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Lower the heat slightly, add 3 tablespoons butter and the remaining garlic, and baste the steak tips with the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes.
4. Plate the tortellini smothered in the Cajun cheese sauce alongside the juicy steak tips. Spoon extra garlic butter over the meat and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~870 per serving