Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

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When it comes to comfort food with bold personality, nothing hits quite like Cajun steak tips swimming in a creamy penne Parmesan sauce. This dish brings that Southern spice to your weeknight dinner rotation and wraps it in a cheesy, indulgent blanket of pasta. It balances fiery Cajun seasoning with the richness of melted cheese and the tender bite of perfectly seared steak.

The beauty of this recipe lies in how hearty and satisfying it is while still being surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just feeding your family something indulgent and filling, these Cajun steak tips take the everyday pasta experience to a new level. Think of it as steakhouse vibes right from your stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

This dish blends heat, richness, and comfort into one skillet. It’s a full meal that doesn’t need extra sides (unless you really want to), and it’s as satisfying to serve as it is to eat. The Cajun spice isn’t just for heat—it adds layers of flavor that bring out the juiciness of the steak. Combined with the creamy cheese sauce, every bite is an indulgent celebration.

What Cut of Steak Works Best for Cajun Steak Tips?

The magic is in the marinade and the sear, so you don’t need an expensive cut. Sirloin tips or flat iron steak are both affordable and tender when cooked right. Flank steak is also a great option if sliced across the grain. Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum flavor—you want those Cajun spices to soak in and caramelize as the meat sears.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

To bring this spicy, creamy, cheesy dream to life, you’ll need a mix of bold flavors and classic pantry staples. The ingredients come together in layers, each one bringing its own richness, spice, or texture to the dish. Let’s walk through what makes this flavor bomb tick.

• Sirloin steak tips
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Butter
• Penne pasta
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Each element has a purpose: the sirloin steak tips offer juicy bites of protein, perfectly seared and coated in Cajun seasoning for that kick of heat. Olive oil helps brown the meat while garlic boosts aromatic depth. Heavy cream forms the sauce base, thickened with melting Parmesan and gooey mozzarella. Butter adds silkiness, and penne pasta soaks up all the cheesy magic. A little salt and pepper sharpen the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end gives it that extra pop.

How To Make the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Season your steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the steak tips to the skillet and stir to coat in the cheesy sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Heat everything through for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy that creamy Cajun comfort!

How to Serve and Store Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

This dish is one of those all-in-one comfort meals that doesn’t need much extra to feel like a feast. It serves about 4 people generously, making it ideal for a small family dinner or a cozy night in with leftovers to spare. Serve it warm and straight from the skillet, where all the creamy sauce and spice stay nice and glossy.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerated, it keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. While you can freeze it, the creamy texture might break slightly upon thawing, so fresh or refrigerated is best for keeping that luscious consistency.

What to Serve With Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that cheesy Cajun sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A touch of char and a hint of bitterness from roasted broccoli balance the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons add contrast in texture and brightness.

Sautéed Green Beans

Tossed in a little garlic and lemon, they add a fresh and snappy element to your plate.

Creamed Spinach

Leaning into indulgence? Creamed spinach pairs beautifully with Cajun spice and cheesy sauce.

Cornbread Muffins

If you’re going full Southern comfort, warm cornbread muffins with a touch of honey butter are heavenly.

Grilled Asparagus

Light, slightly sweet, and beautifully charred, asparagus makes a lovely veggie pairing.

Mixed Greens with Balsamic Glaze

For something light and easy, a simple salad with balsamic drizzle brings the meal into balance.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love the bold, creamy flavors of this Cajun steak pasta, here are a few more dishes from Luna Meals that deliver big taste:

• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for another spicy, comforting classic.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you want meatballs and cheesy pasta all in one.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers who crave richness.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re looking to switch up the protein but keep the indulgence.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a vegetarian twist on decadent pasta.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the Cajun spice level or use a different cheese blend? Maybe you added mushrooms or a handful of spinach?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions or share your twist—we’re all here to cook and learn together.

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Conclusion

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is the perfect marriage of heat and comfort, with tender steak, rich cheese, and pasta all playing in harmony. It’s the kind of dish that turns a normal dinner into something special without needing a hundred steps. With ingredients you probably already have and a flavor payoff that delivers every time, this is one recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again.

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