If you are craving a dinner that brings bold flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of spice all in one comforting plate, look no further than the Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe. This dish perfectly combines tender, Cajun-seasoned steak tips with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to al dente penne pasta. Every bite bursts with smoky, savory goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating a beautiful balance of texture, flavor, and color. These simple staples come together to transform an everyday meal into something truly remarkable.
- 8 oz Penne Pasta: Provides structure and holds the sauce well, ensuring every forkful is saucy and satisfying.
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips: Choose tender cuts for the best flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Adds a spicy, smoky flavor that defines the dish’s lively personality.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Introduces richness and a luxuriously creamy texture to the sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best texture and that perfect savory punch.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Enriches the sauce with a silky finish and superior depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Ideal for searing steak to a golden-brown crust that locks in juices.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic warmth.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds visual appeal and smoky sweetness that complements the Cajun spice.
- 2 tbsp Parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until it reaches al dente—around 9 to 11 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy water will be crucial to perfecting your sauce’s texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Steak Tips
Pat the sirloin steak tips dry to ensure a nice sear, then generously coat them with the Cajun seasoning for that bold, spicy flavor. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and sear the steak tips for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they have a beautiful caramelized crust. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Then, incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust the sauce’s consistency—it should cling to the pasta without being too runny. Taste and add salt or more Cajun seasoning as needed to bring out all the rich flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Serve the pasta topped generously with the tender steak tips. Sprinkle smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and smoky aroma that makes the dish truly come alive.
How to Serve Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh parsley does wonders to brighten the dish visually while accentuating the smoky, herbal notes. If you love a bit more heat, don’t hesitate to add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick.
Side Dishes
This indulgent dish pairs beautifully with simple side salads, like a crisp arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread is an ideal companion too, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by serving in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the steak tips atop the cheesy penne. A drizzle of olive oil and a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top add a professional touch. For a fun twist, you could even serve individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce and steak will keep well for up to three days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make this in advance, you can freeze the cooked steak tips separately to maintain their texture, and the cheesy penne sauce pasta as another component. Wrap both tightly in freezer-safe containers, and they will last for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Reheat the steak tips separately and add them on top to avoid overcooking. This method preserves the stew’s tender, juicy character and keeps everything as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce, you could substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to cook to al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning provides a medium level of heat with smoky undertones, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less seasoning or including extra chili flakes if you like it hotter.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The richness won’t be quite the same but still delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare the steak tips in advance?
You can marinate and season the steak tips ahead of time, but for best results, sear them just before serving to keep them juicy and tender rather than overcooked.
What should I serve this dish with?
Great options include a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of garlic bread. The richness of the pasta calls for something fresh or crunchy on the side to balance each bite.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving the Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe a try. It’s the kind of dish that embraces you with warmth and rich flavors, perfect for any time you want to make dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you experience the marriage of spicy, savory steak with creamy, cheesy pasta, this recipe will become one of your personal favorites too!
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Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender sirloin steak tips seasoned with aromatic Cajun spices and smoky paprika, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. This recipe offers a quick 30-minute meal packed with bold flavors and creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb Sirloin Steak Tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Pat the sirloin steak tips dry with paper towels. Coat them evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until well caramelized. Transfer the cooked steak tips to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or additional Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy penne pasta, top it with the Cajun steak tips, and garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh parsley for color and an extra smoky touch.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce texture.
- Pat steak tips dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing and caramelization.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning level based on your preferred spice tolerance.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
