Steak Tips with Fettuccine in 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
12 oz fettuccine 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 the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, whisking until combined. Reduce the heat and add cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss the fettuccine in the sauce until fully coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
3. Pat the steak tips dry and season 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 for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Lower the heat, add 3 tablespoons butter and the remaining garlic, then baste the steak tips in garlic butter for 1–2 minutes.
4. Serve the creamy Cajun fettuccine with the garlic butter steak tips arranged alongside. Spoon the 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: ~865 per serving