Description
This Indulgent Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is a flavorful and decadent dish featuring tender cubed sirloin steak seared to perfection and tossed with penne pasta in a rich, creamy Cajun butter sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, this skillet meal is a quick and satisfying option perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 9–11 minutes. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Season Steak: Pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine the steak with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the steak is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden-brown and cooked to desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spices and Cream: Stir in the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper (if using) into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cream to slightly thicken.
- Incorporate Cheese and Combine: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Next, add the reserved cooked penne pasta and the seared steak cubes back to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water little by little as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer such as rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine.
- For a leaner protein option, swap sirloin steak with chicken breast or firm tofu.
- Use ghee instead of butter if you need a lactose-free alternative.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to help loosen the sauce to your desired creaminess.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
- Omit lemon juice if you want a richer, less tangy sauce.
