A few months ago, my family and I had one of those nights where nothing felt exciting until we opened the fridge and decided to improvise. I had some sirloin tips leftover from a weekend barbecue and a block of cream cheese about to expire.

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I sketched out a plan: bite-sized steak seasoned Cajun-style, tossed into a creamy penne bath, with enough melted cheese to feel indulgent but still cozy. My kids peeked in while I sautéed the garlic and butter‑whispered sauce in the kitchen—and by the time that skillet sauce bubbled into submission, they were already lining up for seconds.

That dinner turned into a new favorite: quick enough for a Tuesday dinner, but rich and satisfying enough to feel indulgent. I’ve learned which bit of seasoning blends just right and how to keep the cream sauce velvety without splitting.

It’s become a comfort food staple in our house, especially when I want to impress the husband without overcomplicating dinner. The blend of spicy steak and cheesy penne feels like home—just heavy enough for a treat, but balanced with simple ingredients.

Short Description

Tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips tossed with al dente penne in a rich Parmesan cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and garlic butter—spicy, cheesy, and comfort-food delicious.

Key Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak Tips:

1½ lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite‑sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Parmesan Penne:

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Tools Needed

Large pot for pasta
Large heavy-bottomed skillet
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Cheese grater
Whisk

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until just al dente (about 10–11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Steak Tips
In a mixing bowl, coat steak pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange steak tips in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side. In the final minute, add 1 tbsp butter and baste. Remove steak and set aside.

Step 4: Begin the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In same skillet melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce
Whisk in heavy cream and milk. Add cream cheese and stir until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses & Seasoning
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens (2–3 minutes). If it’s too thick, whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine Pasta & Steak
Add cooked penne and steak tips to the sauce. Gently fold and simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 8: Garnish & Optional Broil
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top and broil 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your sauce starts to split or looks grainy, reduce heat and whisk in a little more cream or pasta water to bring it back together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Cajun-seasoned steak gives warm heat and depth, balanced by rich, cheesy sauce.

Satisfying Comfort: Penne swathed in creamy sauce makes this feel indulgent yet familiar.

Fast Enough for Weeknight: Prep and cook in under 30 minutes once pasta is boiling.

Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy sauce; adults get the savory steak kick.

Flexible: Use lower-fat cream or milk, swap pasta shape, or adjust heat level easily.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Steak Overcrowding: Crowding causes steaming not searing.
Solution: Cook in batches if needed, leaving space between pieces.

Sauce Too Thick or Thin: It should cling but not smother.
Solution: Adjust with pasta water to loosen or simmer longer to thicken.

Garlic Burn: Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter fast.
Solution: Sauté on medium and remove from heat if it browns too quickly.

Cream Cheese Clumps: Can become lumpy.
Solution: Bring cream cheese to room temp and whisk in gradually.

Overcooking Pasta: Pasta should stay al dente.
Solution: Taste early (a minute before package time) so it retains bite with sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Plate with a side of steamed vegetables or a peppery arugula salad.

Compliments nicely with a light white wine like Chardonnay or a chilled lager.

Serve in shallow bowls for a cozy, plated dinner at home. Family‑style works too—ladle into a big serving dish with parsley on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cool completely. Store pasta and steak together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended—dairy sauces can separate after freezing and reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye tips are ideal for tenderness. If using strip steak or chuck, adjust cook time.

2. Can I make this gluten‑free?
Absolutely, use gluten‑free penne and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten‑free.

3. Can I lighten up the sauce?
Swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half or reduce cream cheese, but watch thickness and richness.

4. What if I want more heat?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the steak seasoning or sauce.

5. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, season and cut steak ahead of time. Cook sauce and store separately; combine and heat when ready.

Tips & Tricks

Let steak rest 5 minutes after searing before slicing or folding in to keep juices in.

Keep sauce whisk ready to dissolve cheese and prevent lumps.

Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better than pre-grated.

Stir sauce constantly after adding cheese to prevent scorching.

Add chopped parsley at end for brightness and color contrast.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Creole Beef & Penne
Use ground beef seasoned with extra Cajun spices. Brown in skillet, then mix into cheesy penne sauce following steps 5–7.

Chicken Version
Swap steak tips for diced chicken breast or thighs. Cook 4–5 minutes per side. Skip butter basting and follow same sauce steps.

Vegetarian Steak Tip Hack
Replace steak with seared mushrooms or tofu cubes seasoned with Cajun spice. Sear until browned, then fold into sauce.

Lower Fat Option
Use half heavy cream and half low-fat milk. Use light cream cheese and reduce butter. Stir frequently to keep sauce smooth.

Broccoli & Sun‑Dried Tomato Twist
Add bite-sized broccoli florets and sun‑dried tomatoes in Step 7. Simmer until broccoli is tender and flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce delivers hearty protein and bold flavor in a creamy, indulgent sauce that still feels homey. Cooking it reminds me of family dinners where mouths stay messy and conversations flow freely.

The steak bites bring a satisfying savory edge while the sauce comforts like an old favorite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both spontaneous and special, easy enough for a midweek treat, but with enough depth to feel celebratory.

I’d have this ready in a pinch for unexpected guests. It shows effort without stress and tastes like you took your time. Bring out the parsley, pour a glass of your favorite drink, and dig in, you’re in for a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Cajun Steak Tips In Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce