Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne Recipe

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Imagine a plate of tender, juicy steak tips infused with bold Cajun spices, nestled among perfectly cooked penne pasta and smothered in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne Recipe—a dish that balances heat, comfort, and indulgence all in one bowl. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a bold, flavor-packed experience.

The steak tips are seared to perfection, locking in their natural juices while absorbing the smokiness and slight heat of Cajun seasoning. Combined with the melty blend of cheeses and smooth, velvety cream sauce, this pasta dish feels like something you’d order at a restaurant—but it’s easy enough to make at home. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe brings big results with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne Recipe

• Big bold flavors: The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with protein and carbs, it’s a complete comfort meal that keeps you full.
• Quick prep: With a little planning, this dish can come together in under 40 minutes.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level, switch the pasta, or swap cheeses.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Restaurant quality at home: Impress your family or dinner guests with minimal effort.
• Perfect fusion: It brings together Cajun spice and creamy Italian-American pasta in one delicious combo.
• One-pan potential: Cook your steak and sauce in the same pan for easier cleanup.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus the Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into cooking your Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne, it’s smart to have all your tools and equipment lined up. This doesn’t just make things more efficient—it also ensures your steak and pasta come out just right.

• Heavy-bottom skillet or cast iron pan: Crucial for getting that beautiful sear on your steak tips. A hot cast iron locks in flavor and handles high heat without burning.
• Large pot for boiling pasta: Choose a deep pot so the penne can cook evenly without sticking together.
• Tongs: Great for flipping steak tips without piercing them and losing juices.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring your creamy cheese sauce without scratching your pans.
• Chef’s knife: You’ll need a sharp one for slicing the steak tips into bite-size pieces.
• Cutting board: Preferably a large one with grooves to catch any juices from the steak.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your Cajun spice blend and cream-to-cheese ratio in balance.
• Colander: For draining your penne pasta once it’s al dente.

Laying out these essentials before you start means no scrambling mid-recipe—and that makes for better results.

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Preparation Tips

• Room temperature steak: Let your steak tips sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps them sear evenly and stay juicy.
• Pat dry before seasoning: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Use paper towels to blot the steak tips before adding seasoning.
• Salt wisely: Cajun seasoning can already be salty. Taste your seasoning mix and go light on extra salt until after cooking.
• Undercook the pasta slightly: Since it’ll finish in the sauce, pull the penne off the heat about a minute before al dente.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent melting. For the creamiest sauce, shred it fresh.
• Control the heat: Cajun spice blends vary in heat—taste test before adding too much.
• Deglaze the pan: After searing the steak, splash a bit of broth or cream to lift those flavorful brown bits into your sauce.
• Use warm cream: If your cream is too cold, it can curdle when added to a hot pan. Room temp is safer and blends smoother.

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Ingredients for This Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rich, spicy, and creamy pasta dish to life. Each ingredient plays a role in building bold flavor and satisfying texture.

For the Steak Tips:

• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional but adds great depth)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, for melt and stretch
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan, for topping
• Crushed red pepper flakes, if you want it extra spicy

This mix of creamy cheeses, bold Cajun flavors, and hearty steak makes for a restaurant-style dish you’ll be proud to serve.

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Step 1: Prep the Steak Tips

Start by patting your steak tips dry with paper towels. This helps create a golden sear rather than steaming the meat. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, a little salt, and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

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Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is sizzling, add the steak tips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak tips and set aside—tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

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Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out), reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté the chopped shallots (if using) and garlic for about 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

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Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any flavorful browned bits. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne (if using). Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

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Step 6: Melt the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

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Step 7: Combine Pasta and Steak

Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing it well to coat every piece with the cheese sauce. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked steak tips and let everything warm together for another 2 minutes.

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Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate the cheesy Cajun steak penne immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with warm bread or a fresh side salad.

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Notes

• Steak doneness matters: For tender and juicy steak tips, avoid overcooking. Medium-rare to medium gives the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust spice level: Cajun seasoning blends can vary—some are salt-heavy, others are more pepper-forward. Start light and taste as you go.
• Sauce too thick? Use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up without diluting flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan with steak tips: This causes the meat to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches for the best crust.
• Adding cheese to boiling sauce: Always reduce heat before stirring in cheese, or you risk a grainy, broken sauce.
• Skipping the pasta water: This starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky finish.
• Using cold cream: Adding cold dairy to a hot pan can shock the sauce and cause curdling. Let your cream come to room temp first.
• Underseasoning the pasta water: Salting your pasta water is crucial. It’s your first opportunity to build flavor into the penne.
• Letting steak sit too long after searing: Resting is important, but don’t leave it out for too long—over-rested steak can become tough when reheated.
• Not grating your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often include anti-caking agents that interfere with melting.
• Burning the garlic: It cooks fast—30 seconds too long and it turns bitter. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne?

While this dish is rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal and add balance. Go for something crisp, fresh, or mildly flavored to contrast the bold Cajun spice and creamy cheese.

8 Recommended Pairings:

1. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
   Perfect for soaking up the extra cheese sauce—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
2. Simple Arugula Salad
   A peppery green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the richness.
3. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
   Adds color and fiber, and helps balance the meal with something nutritious and crisp.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Slightly charred and caramelized sprouts offer earthy depth without overpowering the dish.
5. Cornbread Muffins
   A Southern twist that pairs beautifully with Cajun flavors.
6. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
   Light, snappy, and perfectly matched with the cheesy tones in the pasta.
7. Coleslaw (Vinegar-Based)
   A tangy slaw cuts through the creaminess and adds a crunch.
8. Sparkling Water with Lime or Light White Wine
   For drinks, go with something refreshing and crisp to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

These sides bring contrast and complement the spicy, creamy profile of the main dish without stealing the spotlight.

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Storage Instructions

Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Just follow these tips to maintain flavor and texture:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the creamy cheese sauce, freezing may cause separation and graininess upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated only.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Note: These are approximate values and can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 850mg

This dish is high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying comfort meal. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could reduce the cheese, use half-and-half instead of cream, or sub in a leaner cut of beef.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef instead of steak tips?

Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces work well. Just avoid tougher cuts like chuck unless slow-cooked.

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2. Is this dish very spicy?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning used. Most blends have a mild-to-medium heat level. You can control the spice by reducing or skipping the cayenne pepper and using a mild Cajun mix.

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3. Can I make this recipe without cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a cornstarch slurry. However, the sauce may not be as rich or thick as when using heavy cream.

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4. What type of cheese works best?

A blend of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella gives great flavor and melt. You can also try pepper jack or gouda for a twist.

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5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the steak and cook the pasta in advance. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth when combining everything to freshen up the sauce.

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6. How do I make it more “saucy”?

If you like a lot of sauce, increase the cream by ½ cup and add more cheese. You can also reserve extra pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

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7. Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely, as long as the Cajun seasoning isn’t too spicy. For kids, you can use a mild version or reduce the amount of spice altogether.

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8. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free penne and ensure your Cajun seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist—perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and a little indulgent. Between the juicy, spice-kissed steak and the creamy, cheesy pasta, every bite delivers satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.

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