Description
This Indulgent Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender, perfectly seared sirloin steak tips with creamy Parmesan sauce and al dente penne pasta. The smoky Cajun seasoning paired with a smooth, cheesy sauce creates a comforting meal perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak Tips (Tender and juicy, avoid overcooking)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Essential for smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Or fresh garlic as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Or sautéed fresh onions for texture)
- Salt & Pepper to taste (Essential for flavor balance)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Holds the creamy sauce well)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (For a rich sauce, use half-and-half for lighter)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated melts better)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For searing and enriching the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (For added heat)
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Generously season the sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the steak rest for 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Sear the Steak: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust but remain tender inside. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the same skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper for some heat.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce and stir well to coat. Fold in the seared steak tips and heat everything together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the steak through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy penne and steak tips in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired. Enjoy this indulgent, flavorful dish warm.
Notes
- Resting the steak after seasoning helps intensify the flavors.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper to your preferred heat level.
- For lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower fat cream alternative.
- Serve immediately after preparation for best texture and flavor.
