Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or linguine)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for extra cheesiness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water to save for later. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Season your steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked how you like. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom, those add big flavor. Add in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm gently, don’t boil it. Add the Parmesan and mozzarella, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return the steak and its juices to the pan and mix everything together. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and maybe a little extra Parmesan for good measure. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Sodium: 690
- Protein: 42