If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, indulgent hug, then the Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender sirloin steak tips kissed by a smoky Cajun seasoning, served atop a bed of perfectly cooked penne swimming in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce — this dish balances bold, spicy flavors with rich, cheesy comfort in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable event, whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, just high-quality basics that come together to make a dish bursting with warmth, creaminess, and spice.
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak Tips: Tender and flavorful cuts perfect for quick, high-heat cooking to lock in juices.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning: This smoky mix is the heart of the recipe, delivering authentic Cajun flavor with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a fragrant, deep note that complements the steak brilliantly.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Provides savory undertones that balance the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Butter: Essential for searing the steak to get that caramelized crust.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: The hollow penne shape captures sauce beautifully, making each mouthful decadent.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The silky base that makes your Parmesan sauce so irresistibly rich.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the perfect melt and sharp, nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness to finish the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional): Adds an extra punch of heat if you love your Cajun bold and spicy.
How to Make Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Begin by patting your sirloin steak tips dry to ensure they sear nicely. Toss the steak tips with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until every piece is generously coated. This step sets the stage for those signature smoky, spicy flavors that define this dish.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the steak marinates in its spice, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente. This will ensure the pasta maintains a slight bite when smothered in the creamy sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if you want to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the seasoned steak tips in a single layer, searing without disturbance for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful browned crust forms. This quick cooking preserves tenderness while locking in flavor. Remove the steak and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it warm gently, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt it into a smooth, creamy sauce. If you saved some pasta water, stir in a splash to loosen the sauce if needed. For extra flavor and a spicy kick, stir in crushed red pepper now.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak in the Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta and steak tips back into the pan with the Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat pasta and meat evenly, allowing the steak to soak up the luscious sauce. This is where the dish truly comes together, harmonizing all those flavors and textures.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a vibrant contrast in color and a fresh herbal note. Your indulgent, comforting plate is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also brightens the rich flavors. For an extra touch, a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the dish’s creaminess and balance its spice.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides like a baby arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Light sides help keep the meal balanced without competing with the bold flavors of the steak tips and cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the steak tips and penne in individual shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. You could also layer the pasta and steak in a warm casserole dish, then broil briefly to create a golden crust on top, adding texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal that just needs a quick reheat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this dish freezes nicely. Cool it completely, then transfer portions to freezer containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months to maintain the quality of the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent drying out the steak and curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, other cuts like ribeye or flank steak can also work if sliced thinly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid toughness.
Is the Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought?
You can use either! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works wonderfully to keep things easy, but making your own blend allows you to customize the heat and spice level exactly to your liking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Heavy cream is key for that rich, velvety sauce, but for a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour to thicken. The sauce won’t be as decadent, but still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
The default recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more crushed red pepper or choosing a milder seasoning blend according to your preference.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block is best for melting smoothly and providing that authentic sharp, nutty flavor. Pre-grated options often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of bold flavors and cozy textures that come together effortlessly. It’s a recipe to keep close for those nights when you want to treat yourself or feed loved ones with something special and satisfying. Once you try this, it might just become your go-to comfort dish that everyone asks for again and again.
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Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Description
Indulge in tender and flavorful Cajun steak tips perfectly seared and served over creamy, cheesy penne pasta with parmesan sauce. This dish combines smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning with a rich and luscious sauce, creating an irresistible comfort meal that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak Tips (Tender and flavorful, perfect for high-heat cooking.)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (A smoky mix of spices that brings the Cajun essence to life.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Enhances the depth of flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Adds savory notes that complement the steak.)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Perfect for searing steak.)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (This shape holds the creamy sauce exquisitely.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (The base for a rich and creamy sauce.)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated for optimum melting.)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (Optional garnish that adds a fresh touch.)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (Optional for extra spicy kick.)
Instructions
- Season the Steak Tips: In a bowl, combine the sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices, which will impart a smoky, spicy flavor to the meat.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned steak tips. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a nicely browned crust on the outside and reach your desired doneness inside. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Penne Pasta: While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once simmering, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper, if using, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy penne pasta and top with the rested Cajun steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, omit or reduce the crushed red pepper.
- You can substitute sirloin steak tips with another tender cut of beef if preferred.
- Make sure to rest the steak tips after cooking to retain tenderness and juices.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor in the sauce.
- If you want extra creaminess, add a little more heavy cream when preparing the sauce.
