Cajun Steak Tips Penne Parmesan (Print Format)
Tender Cajun steak tips meet creamy penne in a rich Parmesan sauce - comfort food at its finest!
# Ingredients:
→ For the Cajun Steak Tips
01 -
1½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 tablespoon butter
04 -
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ For the Cheesy Parmesan Penne
08 -
12 ounces penne pasta
09 -
2 tablespoons butter
10 -
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
11 -
1½ cups heavy cream
12 -
½ cup whole milk
13 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 -
1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 -
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
17 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
18 -
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining and set cooked pasta aside.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly coat steak tips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange steak tips in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. In the final minute, add butter and baste the steak. Remove and set aside.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
05 -
Whisk in heavy cream and whole milk. Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
06 -
Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until sauce thickens. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
07 -
Add cooked penne and seared steak tips to the skillet. Gently fold everything together and simmer for several minutes to meld flavors.
08 -
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Optional: sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
# Tips:
01 -
Reserve pasta water to help achieve silky sauce consistency if mixture thickens too much
02 -
Fresh grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for creamier sauce
03 -
Don't overcook the steak tips - they should be tender and juicy inside