Description
A comforting and filling dish featuring tender sirloin steak and al dente penne pasta in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce with Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz dry penne pasta
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil the water. Pour 8 cups of water into a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt.
- Cook the penne. Add the dry penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the penne without rinsing it.
- Season the sirloin. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the steak bites. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in one uncrowded layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning after about 2 minutes. Transfer the browned steak to a clean plate when it reaches your preferred doneness.
- Deglaze the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until reduced by about half.
- Build the cream sauce. Add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
- Melt the Parmesan. Turn the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan until smooth. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Combine and finish. Add the drained penne and toss until coated, adding more pasta water by the tablespoon if needed. Fold in the steak and accumulated juices, then warm for 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
Serve hot with optional garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 880
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cajun steak, creamy pasta, penne, weeknight dinner, comfort food