If you love a pasta that makes your taste buds tingle and your heart swoon, let me introduce you to Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan! This dish celebrates bold Cajun spices, luscious cream, and perfectly seared steak, all married together with tender penne and a glorious shower of Parmesan. Every bite is indulgent, flavorful, and just the right note of spicy—like something you’d order from a buzzy bistro, but cozy enough for a weeknight at home. Whether you’re treating yourself, feeding friends, or trying to impress someone special, Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is pure comfort with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how every ingredient stands on its own, yet together, they create pasta magic—each one essential for taste, texture, or a pop of color. Gather these kitchen staples and get ready for a meal you’ll crave again and again.
- Penne pasta: Tube-shaped and quick to cook, penne is ideal for catching all that creamy sauce in every bite.
- Flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced): These cuts stay juicy and tender when cooked quickly. Slice against the grain for extra tenderness.
- Cajun seasoning (divided): The superstar of this recipe—spicy, smoky, with a hint of herbal zing. Homemade or store-bought works great!
- Olive oil: Helps sear the steak beautifully while adding richness to the skillet.
- Garlic (minced): No pasta feels complete without garlic’s heady aroma—freshly minced brings the most flavor.
- Heavy cream: Lends that signature silkiness to the sauce, making everything decadently rich.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty finish that brings everything together—freshly grated is best if you can.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce, boosting the meaty essence of the steak.
- Tomato paste: Just a touch for color and a hint of sweetness to balance that Cajun heat.
- Smoked paprika: A little smoky warmth—this spice deepens the flavor and makes the sauce irresistible.
- Salt: Brings out every flavor—add to your taste as you finish the pasta.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a gentle heat that rounds off the other spices.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of green and freshness—totally worth that finishing sprinkle.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Who can resist more cheese? Pass it around the table for a final flourish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Cook the penne until just al dente—the pasta should have a slight bite because it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain everything well, then set your pasta aside while you get to work on that glorious steak.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
Toss your thinly sliced steak with half of the Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is coated in that vibrant blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add steak in batches so each piece has room to brown—about 1–2 minutes per side is all it takes. Once done, scoop the steak onto a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm and juicy.
Step 3: Build the Base of Flavor
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium, and toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, just until it fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Stir in the tomato paste, the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a splash of beef broth. Scrape up all the browned bits from the pan—those little flecks are full of flavor and essential to the sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Now for the magic: pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture up to a simmer. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and keep stirring until the sauce thickens just a bit—about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see it turn glossy, rich, and beautifully orange from the Cajun spices and tomato paste.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked penne and steak (along with any resting juices) back into the skillet. Toss everything well so the pasta and steak are coated in that creamy, spiced sauce. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Now all that’s left is the garnish and, of course, serving up this Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan masterpiece!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan
Garnishes
To truly make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan sing, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top for an herbal pop. Promise me you’ll add a mountain of extra grated Parmesan at the table for that irresistible salty finish—it not only looks great, but each mouthful is even creamier. If you want to amp up the Cajun spirit, a pinch of red pepper flakes never hurts!
Side Dishes
This is a rich, bold main course, so pair it with something light and crisp. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette or a tangy slaw cuts through the creaminess. Warm, crusty bread on the side is perfect for swirling through extra sauce—you’ll want every last drop of this Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl for sharing. For date night, plate it individually with the steak fanned out on top—restaurant-worthy! For a party, portion into ramekins or mini skillets and finish under the broiler with a little more Parmesan for a bubbly, golden twist. No matter how you present it, this dish brings a wow-factor to every table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as dreamy as dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. The creamy sauce may separate just a touch when reheated, but a quick stir will bring it back together. Enjoy within two months for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Microwave works in a pinch: cover your serving and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the steak from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cook time, you can try ribeye for extra richness or even strip steak if that’s what you have. Just be sure to slice against the grain and keep the pieces thin for the most tender results.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
To lighten things up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use a bit less Parmesan. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful, just a touch less rich—feel free to load up on extra veggies or serve with a crisp salad for balance.
Can I make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep components in advance—like slicing the steak or mixing up the Cajun seasoning. For best results, make the sauce fresh just before serving, but you can assemble everything except the final garnish earlier in the day and gently reheat before dinner.
What vegetables would pair well in this dish?
Sliced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach mix beautifully into the sauce, adding extra color and nutrition without overpowering those Cajun flavors. Toss them in when you add the garlic or just before returning the pasta to the skillet.
Is this dish spicy?
Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan has a definite kick from the Cajun blend, but the cream and Parmesan mellow out the spice. For extra heat, a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes does the trick; less adventurous eaters can reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling inspired and just a little bit hungry—nothing brings people together quite like a big bowl of Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress, this pasta is a true crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again. Grab your skillet and give it a try—your next favorite dinner awaits!
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Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan. This dish combines tender slices of steak in a creamy Cajun sauce, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. A hint of garlic and Parmesan elevate the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 ounces penne pasta
Steak:
1 pound flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)
Cajun Seasoning:
2 tablespoons (divided)
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup grated
Beef Broth:
1/2 cup
Tomato Paste:
1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Parsley:
1 tablespoon chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan:
for serving
Instructions
- Cook Penne: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak: Toss steak with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
- Sear Steak: Sear steak in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté garlic. Add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and beef broth.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream and simmer. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return pasta and steak to the skillet. Toss in sauce. Season and garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Try chicken or shrimp as alternative proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
