If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness, then you’re going to adore this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe. It’s comfort food with a kick, featuring tender, juicy steak tips seared to perfection and coated in a luscious blend of creamy cheeses that envelop each twist of rotini pasta. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining the vibrant zest of Cajun seasoning with the rich, silky texture of a three-cheese sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the steak brings robust savoriness; the rotini pasta adds a fun, twisty texture that holds the sauce; and the mix of cheeses creates that irresistible creamy layer. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips: Provides tender, juicy bites packed with meaty flavor, perfect for searing.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The spiral shape catches and holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps beautifully brown the steak tips.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings the silky, indulgent base for the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough to balance richness.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Adds tangy creaminess that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a salty, nutty depth that sings in every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness that stretches.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor to finish.
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This ensures you get the perfect texture that holds up under the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta carefully and set it aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips with Cajun Spice
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it’s just bubbling. Season your steak tips generously with Cajun spice, which brings that bold, smoky heat signature to this dish. Sear the steak tips for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, creating a beautifully browned crust that locks in juices. Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Keep the skillet over medium heat and pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, and cream cheese. Stir gently as the cream cheese melts into the liquid, creating a rich base. Then, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is perfectly smooth and irresistibly creamy, ready to cling to each bite of pasta and steak.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak with the Sauce
Return the cooked rotini and seared steak tips to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every spiral of pasta and tender steak piece is coated in that luscious, cheesy mixture. This step melds all the flavors together, creating a unified dish that’s bursting with deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate your Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. The bright green parsley adds not only a visual contrast but a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. Now, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but feel free to experiment with chopped chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of extra color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon can also brighten the dish beautifully if you want to add a subtle tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to offset its creamy richness. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans will complement without overpowering. For something heartier, a rustic garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a surprising crunch or add thinly sliced green onions for extra bite. If you’re hosting, a platter style presentation allows guests to serve themselves, making it perfect for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the creamy sauce to help prevent a film from forming.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the fresh parsley garnish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace as the sauce may expand slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften a bit after freezing and reheating but will still taste wonderful.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. For a quicker option, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Garnish fresh parsley after reheating for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank or skirt steak, just be mindful to slice them thinly and not overcook to keep them tender.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the sauce?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with mascarpone or an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for a slightly different but still creamy texture.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The heat level depends on your Cajun spice blend but typically it adds a flavorful kick without being overwhelmingly hot. Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the steak tips and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also use plant-based meat alternatives that hold up well to searing.
What wine pairs well with this meal?
A medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a fruity Syrah pairs wonderfully with the bold Cajun spices and creamy cheese sauce. If you prefer white, a buttery Chardonnay complements the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe is one of those meals that feels special yet comes together quickly and easily. Its bold spices, creamy cheese sauce, and tender steak make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I really encourage you to try it at home—it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of flavors and comfort.
Print
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and flavorful Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Rotini combines tender, spicy steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- Cajun spice, to season
- 2 tbsp butter
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sear the steak tips: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips generously with Cajun spice. Sear the steak tips for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, and cream cheese. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Then stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until a creamy sauce forms.
- Combine pasta and steak with sauce: Add the cooked rotini and seared steak tips back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy steak tip rotini and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the skillet deglaze with a splash of white wine or broth before adding the cream for extra depth.
- Adjust cooking times of steak tips based on thickness and preferred doneness.
- Can substitute half-and-half for milk and cream for a lighter sauce.
