If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries bold, spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy indulgence, you’re in the right place. This Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe brings tender, juicy sirloin steak tips coated in vibrant Cajun seasoning together with a luxurious parmesan cream sauce that hugs every bite of penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet bursts with personality and zest. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises rich, satisfying comfort food with just the right touch of heat and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the spice-packed steak tips to the creamy sauce, every element contributes to the dish’s overall indulgence and charm.
- 1 pound sirloin steak tips: Tender and juicy, perfect for quick, high-heat searing to lock in flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: The star spice mix that brings a bold, zesty personality to the steak.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that enhances both the steak and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness to balance the spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce and provides a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base for the parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated ensures a bright, nutty flavor with every bite.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Its tube shape grabs onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Delivers an extra kick for those who like it spicy.
How to Make Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by thoroughly coating the sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning blend not only infuses the meat with layers of flavor but also prepares it for that irresistible crust once seared. Let the steak rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to soak in all those spices fully—trust me, this resting step makes a big difference.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your steak is resting, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain it well, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water—it’s a secret helper to keep your sauce silky smooth later on. This pasta will be the perfect vehicle for your indulgent cheesy sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Add the steak tips and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes, aiming for a gorgeous brown crust that locks in juices and flavor. Once done, remove the steak tips and let them rest—this helps keep the meat tender and allows the flavors to settle.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to scrape up those delicious browned bits left behind from the steak. Then stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese along with a pinch of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to echo the steak’s flavors. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens just right—creamy, cheesy, and ready to envelop that pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return your perfectly cooked penne to the skillet and toss it gently in the rich sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency—it should cling lovingly to every pasta piece without being watery or heavy.
Step 6: Add the Steak Tips Back In
Carefully fold the seared steak tips back into the pasta and sauce, letting them heat through and marry all those marvelous flavors together. This step makes sure that every bite is a harmonious indulgence of steak and creamy pasta goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of crushed red pepper. These little touches brighten the presentation and add fresh, peppery zing on the palate. Now you’re ready to dig into an outstanding comfort meal that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
How to Serve Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings vibrant color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish. If you enjoy a bit more heat, crushed red pepper flakes add a perfect spicy tingle that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. These little extras not only elevate the flavor but also give the dish a more polished presentation.
Side Dishes
This indulgent dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. A simple Caesar salad or sautéed green beans with lemon zest offer a refreshing contrast that complements the creamy pasta and spicy steak beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the steak tips and cheesy penne in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper. If you want to impress guests, plate the pasta neatly in a circle and arrange the steak tips artfully on top to showcase their juicy seared crust. A dusting of extra parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil adds a restaurant-quality touch right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce and tender steak, the dish holds up well, but be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you want to freeze this dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to reduce moisture break down, then gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems thick or clumpy. Stir frequently for even warming and to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips work beautifully due to their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute with ribeye or New York strip cut into bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish has a nice balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the crushed red pepper for milder flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the steak tips with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, seared in the same way. The cheesy penne parmesan sauce will still shine, making it a satisfying meal.
What’s the best way to get the parmesan cheese flavor to really pop?
Using freshly grated parmesan cheese is key—it has a brighter and more complex flavor than pre-shredded varieties. Also, adding the cheese gradually and stirring it into warm cream helps it melt smoothly and infuse every bite.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine work great. Just ensure you cook the pasta to al dente so it maintains some bite and doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to something truly delicious, don’t hesitate to try this Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of spicy, savory steak and rich, cheesy pasta that hits all the right notes for comfort food done right. Whether feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender sirloin steak tips seasoned with bold Cajun spices, and served over al dente penne pasta coated in a creamy parmesan sauce. This 30-minute recipe brings a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory notes, making it ideal for a satisfying dinner that’s both easy to prepare and deeply delicious.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound sirloin steak tips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Coat the sirloin steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the seasoned steak rest for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the steak tips and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and let them rest briefly.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate that flavor. Stir in parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook gently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat well. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Finish with Steak: Fold the seared steak tips gently into the pasta and sauce mixture, heating through so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and crushed red pepper over the dish for a fresh and spicy finish. Serve the pasta hot for an indulgent meal.
Notes
- Resting the steak after seasoning enhances flavor absorption.
- Reserving pasta water helps to achieve a silky sauce texture.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper according to your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best sauce flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key for proper bite and sauce cling.
