Insanely Creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne

Winter is finally here. It is cold outside. You need a meal that warms you up. This Cajun Steak Tips recipe is the answer. It is fast. It is creamy. It is pure comfort in a bowl.

Forget boring dinners that take hours to prep. You deserve something bold and exciting tonight. These steak tips are juicy. The sauce is velvety. You will want to lick the plate clean. Let’s get cooking!

Why These Cajun Steak Tips Are a Winner

You will love how fast this comes together. It takes only 35 minutes total. This is perfect for a busy winter weeknight. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal. You can enjoy it in your pajamas. This is restaurant-quality flavor at home.

The flavor profile is incredible. Spicy beef meets a rich cheese sauce. It is addictively delicious and satisfying. Your guests will ask for the recipe immediately. It is budget-friendly but feels very expensive. You get the best of both worlds.

Simple Method

You will sear the steak first. This locks in all the juices. Then, you make the sauce in the same pan. One pan means less cleanup for you. Even beginners can master this dish easily. It is practically foolproof for any home cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You likely have most of these in your pantry. We use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. Simple ingredients create the most complex flavors here.

• 1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While pasta is cooking, toss the steak tips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Whisk in the heavy cream and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked penne and seared steak tips to the skillet. Toss until the pasta and meat are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this in deep, warm bowls. Add a side of crusty garlic bread. A fresh green salad balances the richness. It is the perfect comfort food dinner for a cold night. Pair it with a bold red wine for date night. You will feel totally pampered.

Keep It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for three days. Add a splash of cream when reheating. This brings the sauce back to life. It makes a fantastic meal prep lunch for the next day. Reheat slowly on the stovetop for best results.

Pro Tips

• Use a heavy skillet for a better sear.
• Do not crowd the pan when browning beef.
• Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting.
• Use high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best kick.
• Keep the pasta water just in case.
• Pat the steak dry before seasoning it.
• Let the steak rest for a minute before tossing.
• Warm your bowls before serving the pasta.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap steak for juicy chicken breast.
• Add sautéed bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Use gluten-free pasta to keep it light.
• Stir in fresh spinach at the end.
• Try shrimp instead of steak for a twist.

Common Questions

What steak cut is best?

Sirloin tips are ideal because they are tender. You can also use ribeye for more fat. Always cut against the grain for tenderness.

Is it too spicy?

Cajun seasoning has a kick. You can use less if you prefer. The cream and cheese help mellow the heat significantly.

Can I use half and half?

Heavy cream makes the richest sauce. Half and half will be thinner. If you use it, add extra cheese to thicken.

You are going to obsess over this creamy, spicy combo! Tag me when you make it.

— Jasmine

Savory Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 780

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While pasta is cooking, toss the steak tips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Whisk in the heavy cream and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked penne and seared steak tips to the skillet. Toss until the pasta and meat are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.