From my kitchen to yours, I just had to share this one with you, because it’s truly something special. There’s something magical about the way creamy pasta wraps itself around perfectly seared steak, and when you throw in a bold kick of Cajun spice? Oh, it becomes next-level comfort food.
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce have become one of my absolute go-to meals. It’s rich, cozy, full of flavor, and best of all, simple enough for a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but comes together in just over 30 minutes on the stove. I still remember the first time I made it, I had a package of steak tips, some penne, and way too many half-used bags of shredded cheese (we all do it, right?). A little inspiration, a craving for something creamy and satisfying… and just like that, this recipe was born.
Now it’s one of those back-pocket dinners I come back to again and again. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself to something extra indulgent, it always hits the spot. The Cajun-spiced cheese sauce, the juicy steak, the pasta soaking up every drop, it’s pure comfort in a skillet. If you’re anything like me, don’t expect leftovers. It’s just that good.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This pasta recipe might feel indulgent (and okay, it totally is), but it’s also practical, adaptable, and surprisingly simple. Here’s why it works so well:
- The steak: Searing steak tips in a hot skillet gives you a golden, flavorful crust that locks in tenderness and pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- The sauce: It starts with garlic, butter, and cream, then builds into a velvety, cheesy dream with Parmesan, mozzarella, and a bit of cream cheese for smoothness.
- The Cajun kick: Adds just enough heat and smokiness to balance the richness of the sauce, without overpowering it.
- The penne: Sturdy and ridged, this pasta is ideal for holding onto thick, cheesy sauce in every bite.
It’s comfort food done right, with just enough heat and edge to keep things exciting.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets here just your basics:
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Cast iron or nonstick works well for searing steak and building the sauce.
- Pasta pot: To boil your penne.
- Whisk: For smooth sauce-making, especially when combining cream cheese and milk.
- Tongs or a sturdy spoon: For tossing the steak and pasta in the sauce.
- Optional: oven-safe dish: If you want to broil it for that golden, bubbly top.
If you’ve got these, you’re ready to roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down into two simple parts:
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- For the Cheesy Parmesan penne:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (to tie the flavor together)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips Pasta
This recipe comes together easily once you break it down. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta water; this can help loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss your steak tips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re fully coated with that flavorful blend.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips in a single layer, about 3–4 minutes per side. In the last minute, add a pat of butter and spoon it over the steak as it melts. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Step 5: Whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and a little more Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sauce is thick and cheesy. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Toss in the cooked pasta and gently fold in the steak tips. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can blend.
Step 8: Serve hot with chopped parsley on top. Want to level it up? Pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes with extra cheese until golden and bubbly.
Easy Variations to Try
This dish is already loaded with flavor, but if you’re in the mood to mix it up, here are a few easy variations that still work beautifully with the creamy Cajun base:
Swap the Protein
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs instead of steak tips. Season the same way and cook until golden.
- Shrimp: Add peeled, deveined shrimp at the end and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Rotisserie chicken: Great for shortcuts, just shred and stir in at the end with the pasta.
Change the Pasta
- Rigatoni or fusilli: Both hold onto the sauce well and give a slightly different texture.
- Fettuccine or linguine: For a more traditional creamy pasta feel.
- Gluten-free pasta: Works well if cooked slightly under al dente to hold shape.
Add Some Veggies
- Spinach: Toss in a few handfuls just before serving, let it wilt right into the sauce.
- Bell peppers: Sauté sliced peppers along with the garlic for extra color and sweetness.
- Broccoli florets: Steam or roast and stir them in near the end for a hearty bite.
Make It Spicier
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce base if you like a stronger kick.
How to Serve This Dish
This pasta is rich and flavorful, so it pairs best with simple, fresh sides that balance it out:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices: To soak up every last bit of sauce
- Simple green salad: Try arugula or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans: Lightly seasoned, they add crunch and brightness
And if you’re hosting? Serve it straight from the skillet or transfer to a baking dish and broil the top with extra mozzarella for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s a showstopper either way.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to help your Cajun steak pasta come out just right:
Let the steak rest: Once seared, give the steak tips a few minutes to rest before mixing them back into the sauce. This keeps them juicy and tender.
Don’t skip the pasta water: That starchy water is your secret weapon. It helps loosen up the sauce if it gets too thick and makes everything cling to the pasta perfectly.
Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded versions, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Go easy on the salt: Cajun seasoning and cheese are both salty, so always taste before adding more. You can adjust at the very end.
Adjust the heat to taste: Some Cajun blends are spicier than others. Start with less and add more if needed It’s easier to build heat than to fix it.
Quick Cooking Notes
- Use a hot skillet to get that perfect sear on the steak. Crowding the pan will steam it instead of browning it.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt more evenly.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the very end when combining the steak and pasta.
Nutritional Info (Estimated per serving)
This recipe serves 4. Here’s the approximate breakdown:
- Calories: 780
- Protein: 43g
- Fat: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: Depends on the Cajun seasoning used and cheese salt content
Note: For exact macros, plug the ingredients into a calculator based on your specific products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely get a head start! I recommend cooking the steak and boiling the pasta earlier in the day, then storing them separately in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, whip up the sauce fresh; it only takes a few minutes and makes all the difference in keeping everything creamy and delicious.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! You can leave it out, though the sauce might be a bit thinner and not quite as silky. To make up for it, try adding a dollop of sour cream or an extra handful of shredded cheese, it’ll still turn out rich and tasty.
Can I make it less spicy?
Definitely. If you’re sensitive to heat or cooking for kids, go with a mild Cajun seasoning or just use half the amount. You’ll still get all the bold flavor without the burn.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes that really delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and just the right touch of indulgence. It brings together everything I personally love in a pasta dish: the creamy, cheesy sauce, that bold Cajun kick, and tender, juicy steak tips that make every bite feel special.
It’s one of those meals that feels impressive without being complicated. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or treating someone on the weekend, it hits that sweet spot between easy and elevated. That’s honestly my favorite kind of recipe, no stress, just pure satisfaction.
And if you do end up with leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), they reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk or cream. It’s one of those dishes that’s just as good the next day, maybe even better.
So if you’ve been craving something creamy, a little spicy, and totally comforting, this one’s calling your name. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Let me know how it goes, I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- For the Cheesy Parmesan penne:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (to tie the flavor together)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
This recipe comes together easily once you break it down. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta water; this can help loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss your steak tips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re fully coated with that flavorful blend.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips in a single layer, about 3–4 minutes per side. In the last minute, add a pat of butter and spoon it over the steak as it melts. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Step 5: Whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and a little more Cajun seasoning. Stir until the sauce is thick and cheesy. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Toss in the cooked pasta and gently fold in the steak tips. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can blend.
Step 8: Serve hot with chopped parsley on top. Want to level it up? Pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes with extra cheese until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 780
- Fat: 48
- Protein: 43