Description
A rich and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish featuring tender sirloin steak strips, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce with a spicy kick. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep it ready for combining later.
- Season Steak: Season the thinly sliced sirloin steak strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt to infuse the meat with spicy and savory flavors.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned steak strips for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked penne pasta and seared steak back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting into the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the steak to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
