Oh, friend, let me tell you about a dish that’s become a total weeknight hero in my kitchen: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce! You know how sometimes you just crave something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, but you don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove? Yeah, that’s me, pretty much every Tuesday. Well, this recipe? It hits all those spots and then some.

I stumbled upon the idea for this beauty one night when I had some leftover sirloin tips and a serious craving for cheesy pasta. I thought, “What if I combined the kick of Cajun seasoning with a creamy, dreamy Parmesan sauce?” And just like that, magic happened. The tender, spicy steak tips nestled in that rich, velvety penne—it’s just *chef’s kiss* perfect. It feels fancy, but it’s shockingly simple to whip up. Trust me, if you’re looking for a new go-to that’ll impress everyone (including yourself!), you’ve found it right here.

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

Okay, so beyond just tasting absolutely incredible, there are so many reasons why this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is going to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Seriously, I’m not just saying that! It’s got everything you want in a weeknight dinner, and then some. Let me break it down for you:

It’s lightning fast! We’re talking less than an hour from start to finish. Perfect for those crazy busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal.
Flavor explosion! The Cajun seasoning brings that amazing warmth and spice, which perfectly balances the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a match made in heaven.
Super satisfying. This isn’t one of those meals where you’re hungry an hour later. The steak and pasta make it a hearty, comforting dish that really fills you up.
So versatile. You can totally play around with the spice level, or even swap out the steak for chicken if that’s what you have on hand. It’s really forgiving!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic really starts to happen. I know sometimes a recipe list can feel a bit overwhelming, but trust me, these are all pretty standard pantry staples, or super easy to grab at your local grocery store. Getting the right stuff, and getting it prepped just right, really makes a difference in that final delicious bite. I’m going to walk you through exactly what you’ll need and why I choose these particular forms.

Essential Steak and Seasoning for Cajun Steak Tips

First up, the star of the show: the steak! I always go for about 1 pound of sirloin steak. Sirloin is fantastic because it’s tender enough for quick cooking but still has great beefy flavor. Make sure you cut it into nice 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for searing quickly and getting those crispy edges. And for that signature kick? You’ll need 2 tablespoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning. Don’t be shy here; this is where all that amazing flavor comes from, so use a good quality one you love!

Pasta and Sauce Staples for Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Now for the creamy, dreamy part! You’ll want 1 pound of penne pasta. I love penne because those little tubes really grab onto that cheesy sauce. Then for the sauce itself, we’re talking comfort. Grab 4 tablespoons of good old butter and 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour – these are your roux base for thickness. For creaminess, you’ll need 4 cups of milk. And the cheese? Oh, the cheese! Make sure it’s 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese. And this is a big one: *freshly grated* Parmesan melts so much better and tastes infinitely more delicious than the pre-shredded stuff. You’ll also need just a touch of seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus salt to taste at the end.

Preparing Your Delicious Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Alright, friends, this is where the fun really begins! I’m going to walk you through each step to make sure your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce turns out absolutely perfect. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll share all my little tips and tricks to make it seamless. We’re going to build layers of flavor, and before you know it, you’ll have a truly amazing meal ready to devour. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking the Penne and Searing the Cajun Steak Tips

First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Grab your biggest pot, fill it with water, add a generous pinch of salt (the water should taste like the ocean, they say!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your 1 pound of penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – that means tender but still with a little bite. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. You’ll thank yourself for having it ready!

While your pasta is doing its thing, let’s get those steak tips seasoned! Grab your 1-inch steak cubes and toss them with that glorious 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated nicely. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering, almost smoking, before you add the meat. Carefully add the seasoned steak – don’t overcrowd the pan, you might need to do it in batches to get a good sear. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and cooked to your liking. Remember, they’ll cook a tiny bit more in the sauce. Once they’re done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean that skillet yet, all those little browned bits are flavor gold!

Crafting the Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Now for the star of the show: that dreamy, creamy Parmesan sauce! Using the same skillet (yes, the one with all that wonderful steak flavor!), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking constantly for about 1 minute. This is your roux, and it’s what’s going to thicken our sauce. It should look like a pale, sandy paste.

Next, here’s the crucial part: gradually whisk in the 4 cups of milk. I like to add about a cup at a time, whisking really well after each addition to make sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until it’s super smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still stirring constantly, and watch the magic happen as it starts to thicken. It won’t be super thick yet, but it should coat the back of a spoon.

Once it’s thickened a bit, take it off the heat for a second and stir in your glorious 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir, stir, stir until that cheese is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and glossy. Finally, whisk in the 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give it a taste – oh my goodness, right? So good already!

Combining and Serving Your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne

Okay, we’re in the home stretch, and this is where it all comes together! Take your cooked penne pasta and your beautiful, seared Cajun steak tips, and add them both right into that luscious Parmesan sauce in the skillet. Give everything a good toss to make sure every single piece of pasta and every steak tip is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s going to look absolutely irresistible.

Now, for the final touch: salt! The Cajun seasoning has some salt, and the Parmesan cheese is salty too, so taste it first. Then, add salt to your taste. You might not need much, or you might want a little extra zing. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, it’s time to serve it up! Pile generous portions onto plates, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, a little sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some more Parmesan on top never hurts. This dish is best served hot, so dig in and enjoy every single bite!

Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you know the steps, but I want to give you a few extra little secrets to make sure your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is absolutely *perfection* every single time. These are the things I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few burnt batches, oops!).

First, don’t skimp on the cheese! Seriously, freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference. It melts smoother and tastes so much better than the pre-shredded stuff. Trust me on this one. Also, when you’re searing your steak tips, make sure your skillet is *hot*. Like, really hot. That’s how you get that beautiful crust and lock in all those juicy flavors. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the steak will just steam instead of sear, and we don’t want that!

Another tip: taste as you go! Especially with the Cajun seasoning and the salt at the end. Everyone’s spice preference is different, and some Cajun blends are saltier than others. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! And finally, don’t overcook your pasta. Al dente is key here, especially since it’ll finish cooking a little bit in that warm sauce. Follow these little pointers, and you’ll be a Cajun Steak Tips master in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

I know you probably have a few burning questions about these Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce, and I’m here to answer them! It’s totally normal to wonder about substitutions or how to tweak things to your liking. Here are some of the most common questions I get about this delicious dish:

Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for these Cajun Steak Tips?
Absolutely! While I love sirloin for its balance of flavor and tenderness, you can totally use other cuts for your Cajun steak tips. Ribeye or even a New York strip would be fantastic for this cheesy penne. Just make sure to cut them into those 1-inch cubes for even cooking, and adjust your cook time slightly if the thickness varies.

Q2: How can I make the Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce spicier?
Oh, I love a little extra kick! There are a few easy ways to dial up the heat in your cheesy penne. You could add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the garlic powder. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny dash of hot sauce right into the finished sauce works wonders. Just taste as you go so you don’t overdo it!

Q3: Can I make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?
You can, but I highly recommend making it fresh if possible, especially the steak. The steak tips are best right after they’re cooked. However, you can definitely prep parts of it ahead! You could cook the penne pasta and make the Parmesan sauce a day in advance, then just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat the sauce gently, sear your steak tips, and combine everything. It’ll still be delicious!

Storing Your Cajun Steak Tips and Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

So, you’ve got some delicious leftovers of your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce? Lucky you! To keep it tasting great, pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, you totally can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen up that glorious sauce.

Estimated Nutrition for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

I know some of you like to keep an eye on the numbers, so I’ve included some estimated nutritional information for this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce. Just a little heads-up though: these values are estimates! They can totally swing a bit depending on the specific brands you use, how much seasoning you add, or even the cut of steak. Think of it as a general guide, not a super precise measurement, okay?

Share Your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce Experience

Alright, my friend, you’ve made it! Now that you’ve whipped up this amazing Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce, I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! Did you tweak anything? What was your favorite part? Don’t be shy – drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And hey, if you snap a pic, be sure to share it on social media and tag me! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne: 1-Hour Crave!

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender steak with a rich and creamy pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound penne pasta
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Add cooked penne pasta and steak to the sauce. Toss to combine.
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
You can use other cuts of steak like ribeye or New York strip.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy penne, Parmesan sauce, steak pasta, creamy pasta