Cajun Steak Tips In Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
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.
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
Instructions
- Boil penne in salted water until al dente (10–11 mins). Reserve ½ cup water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss steak tips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear steak in a hot skillet for 3–4 mins per side. Add butter in the last minute to baste. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat. Melt butter in the same skillet and cook garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream and milk. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until thick. Use pasta water if needed to thin.
- Add pasta and steak to the sauce. Gently fold and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley. Optional: top with cheese and broil 2–3 mins until bubbly.