Name: Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

There’s something wildly comforting about a hot, bubbling skillet of pasta fresh from the stove. That golden cheddar crust, the tender seared steak, and the richness of the Cajun cream sauce—it all comes together in this one-pan wonder I can’t help but crave when I want a meal that’s cozy yet bold. Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dish—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture with every forkful.

I was inspired to create this recipe after a spontaneous dinner where I tossed leftover grilled steak into a cheese-laced pasta. With a pinch of Cajun spice, something magical happened. The smokiness of the seasoning mingled perfectly with the cream and cheddar, and I knew I had to recreate and perfect it. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and it all comes together without needing an oven or a long list of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

This recipe hits that sweet spot between indulgent and easy. It’s made in a single skillet (less cleanup!), features tender steak with a Cajun kick, and is bound together by a luscious cheddar-infused cream sauce. If you’re craving comfort with character, this one’s for you. Whether for a family dinner or a solo treat, it’ll never feel like leftovers the next day—if there are any left!

What Cut of Steak Works Best in Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet?

When it comes to choosing the steak, tenderness and flavor are key. I usually go with sirloin or ribeye because they cook quickly and hold their juiciness well when sliced. Strip steak is also a solid option if you prefer something leaner. The trick is not to overcook the meat—just a quick sear keeps it succulent, even after it’s folded into the creamy sauce.

If you’re on a budget or using what you have on hand, flank steak or skirt steak can work too—just slice them thinly across the grain for a softer bite. No matter the cut, seasoning the steak well and giving it a proper sear is what really deepens the flavor in this skillet dish.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily tweak this skillet meal to fit your pantry or preferences:

Pasta Swap: Penne is perfect for catching that sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will hold up just as well.
Protein Alternative: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced smoked sausage if steak isn’t your thing.
Cheese Varieties: Sharp cheddar gives a punchy richness, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack bring their own twist.
Cream Alternatives: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a similar effect.
Low-Spice Option: Dial back the Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat—or use a mild smoky paprika blend instead.

This recipe’s backbone is strong enough to let you riff off it while still delivering that crave-worthy creamy Cajun experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

Each ingredient in this skillet plays a key role in bringing out the bold, creamy, and savory character of the dish. Here’s why you need them:

Penne Pasta
Its tube shape perfectly catches the creamy sauce, making each bite deliciously coated.
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or preferred cut)
The star protein—juicy, seared slices add richness and texture that elevate the whole skillet.
Cajun Seasoning
This is where the bold flavor comes from—a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of cayenne gives warmth and personality.
Garlic (minced)
Adds aromatic depth that anchors the cream and spices together beautifully.
Heavy Cream
It’s the silky base of the sauce, giving the dish its luxurious, cling-to-your-fork texture.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Melts into the cream, bringing sharpness and richness—plus a golden, bubbly top layer if you broil it briefly.
Butter
Used to cook the garlic and form the base of the sauce, it adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Salt & Black Pepper
Essential to bring out the flavors without overwhelming the Cajun spices.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the steak—it ensures a golden crust and helps the seasoning stick.

With this lineup, the skillet becomes a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and savory—every component pulling its weight for full flavor in every bite.

Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet2

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, pat the steak dry and season it generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside—don’t wipe the pan, those browned bits are flavor gold.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—it should smell warm and inviting.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up the browned bits from the pan for added depth. Stir in another sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Pasta

Add the shredded cheddar to the cream sauce and stir until melted and velvety. Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine with Steak and Serve

Finally, fold the seared steak back into the skillet. Let everything mingle for a minute or two over low heat so the flavors marry. Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of cheese or a dash of Cajun spice on top if you like it bold.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

This entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Pasta: Boils for 10–12 minutes.
Steak: Sear it for around 4–6 minutes total depending on thickness.
Sauce & Assembly: The creamy sauce and cheese take about 8–10 minutes to build and combine with the pasta and steak.

If you choose to broil the top for a bubbly, cheesy finish, add 2–3 minutes at the end under the broiler (oven-safe skillet required).

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

Use freshly shredded cheddar: It melts creamier and avoids that gritty texture pre-shredded cheeses can leave behind.
Don’t overcook the steak: Aim for medium or just under—remember it’ll sit in warm pasta at the end and continue to cook slightly.
Layer the seasoning: Season the steak, the sauce, and even the pasta water for maximum depth.
Reserve pasta water: A splash at the end helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Let the steak rest: After searing, rest the steak for a couple of minutes before slicing. This locks in juices and keeps it tender.
Taste as you go: Cajun seasoning varies—adjust the salt and spice to suit your heat tolerance.

With a little attention to detail, you’ll get that creamy-cheesy-spicy harmony every time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple skillet dinner like this can hit a few snags if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Steak
It’s tempting to let it go a bit longer, but steak keeps cooking after you pull it from the pan. Overcooked steak turns chewy fast.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
These often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate it fresh for the silkiest sauce.
Too Much Cajun Seasoning
It can quickly overpower the dish or make it too salty—start moderate, taste, then adjust.
Skipping the Pasta Water
This starchy water is liquid gold for thinning sauces and helping it cling to pasta. Don’t toss it all!
Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks fast—keep the heat moderate and stir constantly when it hits the pan.
Crowding the Pan When Searing
Steak needs space to get a good crust. Work in batches if needed for even browning.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet?

This hearty skillet shines on its own, but here are a few standout sides to make it a full spread:

Garlic Butter Green Beans

A bright, buttery crunch balances the richness of the pasta.

Warm Crusty Bread

Perfect for scooping up extra sauce—don’t let a drop go to waste.

Simple Mixed Greens Salad

A light vinaigrette adds refreshing acidity to cut through the creamy dish.

A Glass of Red or Bold Rosé

Something with body, like a Shiraz or Grenache, complements the Cajun spice.

Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Savory and earthy—they play well with the steak and cheddar notes.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

Adds a pop of green and a gentle citrus lift.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and soft, these are great alongside anything Cajun-inspired.

With one or two of these pairings, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet are just as delicious the next day—and maybe even better. Here’s how to store it right:

Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce if it thickens.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze perfectly due to the creamy sauce, which can separate. However, if needed, freeze in portions for up to 1 month and reheat gently with added cream to help bring the sauce back together.

If you’re planning for make-ahead meals, cook the pasta slightly under and add extra cream when reheating to maintain the texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving (based on a 4-serving yield):

Calories: ~620
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Sodium: ~720mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g

Keep in mind this will vary depending on the cut of steak used, the exact amount of cheese and cream, and your Cajun seasoning’s sodium content. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat dairy and leaner cuts of beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of steak should I use if I want something leaner?

Top sirloin is a great leaner alternative that still offers flavor and tenderness. Just don’t overcook it to keep it from drying out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well within 2–3 days. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not overly. Cajun seasoning adds a warm kick, but you can adjust it to your liking or even use a milder version if needed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works well, or a combination of milk and a spoonful of cream cheese gives a similar texture.

Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Absolutely. Leftover grilled or roasted steak works well—just slice it thinly and warm it through in the sauce at the end.

Can I turn this into a baked pasta?

Yes! After mixing everything, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil or bake until bubbly and golden.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning blend to ensure it’s gluten-free.

What vegetables go well mixed into the skillet?

Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions without overpowering the main flavors.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is that perfect weeknight-meets-indulgent dinner you didn’t know you needed. With bold flavors, tender bites of steak, and a cheddar-laced cream sauce that wraps everything in comfort, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want to treat yourself to something next-level, this skillet will quickly earn a spot in your rotation. Customize it, spice it up, or keep it simple—either way, it’s a guaranteed win.