Description
Turn your weeknight dinner into a bold, comforting experience with this Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips Penne. Tender, seared steak tips coated in smoky Cajun seasoning are tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and smothered in a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce. This easy dinner recipe brings together Cajun heat and creamy pasta comfort in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy nights or indulgent weekend cravings. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, or a quick pasta recipe with steak, this one hits every note.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt & black pepper to taste
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small shallot finely chopped (optional)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Extra parmesan (for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat steak tips dry with paper towels and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne until 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside and cover.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and shallot over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and broth. Add smoked paprika and cayenne. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Lower heat and gradually whisk in cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Fold in steak tips and heat through for 2 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking for an even sear.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce—pre-shredded won’t melt as well.
Don’t skip salting the pasta water—it adds flavor to the whole dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, steak pasta, easy dinner, Cajun recipe, pasta with steak, comfort food, weeknight dinner