Description
A bold and comforting one-skillet pasta dish, Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet combines juicy steak slices with a smoky Cajun cream sauce and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed with tender penne pasta. It’s a weeknight dinner with the soul of a steakhouse meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season sliced steak with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
- Return steak to skillet and combine gently over low heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or Cajun spice if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes