Can I make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Rigatoni, fettuccine, rotini, or even shells work well with the creamy Cajun sauce.

What’s the best steak for this recipe?

Sirloin is great because it cooks quickly and stays tender. Ribeye or strip steak also work beautifully if you want an even richer flavor.

Is Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta very spicy?

Not overly spicy. The cream and cheese mellow out the Cajun seasoning quite a bit. If you prefer more heat, simply add extra seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Can I make this lighter?

You can swap part of the heavy cream for half-and-half or use less cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta: 30-Minute Bliss

Name: Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1.25 lb sirloin steak, sliced into bite-size strips; 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 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Fresh parsley; Extra Parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes

Description

Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting one-skillet dinner loaded with tender Cajun-seasoned steak, cheesy penne pasta, and an ultra-creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

12 oz penne pasta

For the Cajun Steak

1.25 lb sirloin steak, sliced into bite-size strips
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

For the Creamy Sauce

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 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the steak strips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the steak strips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt additional butter if needed. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously until smooth. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Top with the Cajun steak and gently combine or leave layered for presentation.
Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce.

Add a splash of lemon juice if you want to balance the richness of the sauce.

Breaded chicken can be used instead of steak for a delicious variation.

Havarti cheese works well as a mozzarella substitute if needed.

For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
Calories: 730
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 150mg