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
Scale
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.
