Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta, featuring tender steak and a spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lb sirloin steak, sliced into bite-size strips
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Start by cooking the penne pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the penne. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside. Make sure the pasta is tender but retains a slight bite for the best texture.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced sirloin steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Sear the steak in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- In the same skillet, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Cook until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and softened cream cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is ultra-creamy.
- Season the sauce with additional garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking!
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss until everything is well-coated. The pasta should be enveloped in that creamy goodness.
- Finally, top the pasta with the Cajun steak. You can either gently mix it in or layer it on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Be cautious with the heat when searing the steak. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution. When adding cheese, do so off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.