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

Scale

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

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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.