Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavors together. This meal combines tender steak, zesty Cajun spices, and creamy sauce, all tossed with penne pasta. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. Second, the combination of Cajun spices and creamy sauce adds a unique twist to traditional pasta dishes. Finally, it’s a hearty meal that can please everyone at the dinner table, from spice lovers to cheese enthusiasts.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne
Making Creamy Cajun Steak Penne is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
Directions:
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add the steak to the hot pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the penne pasta to the pan and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Return the steak slices to the pan and gently stir everything together. Let it simmer for 3 more minutes to allow the flavors to mesh and the steak to heat through.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Steak Penne
Serve Creamy Cajun Steak Penne warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. You can also top it with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for an inviting presentation.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Steak Penne
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne
- Make sure to slice the steak thinly for quick cooking.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or cheese.
- Don’t skip the parsley; it adds a lovely color and fresh flavor.
Variation
For a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with a low-fat cream or a dairy-free alternative. You can also change the protein by using chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve to prevent it from getting mushy.
Enjoy your meal! Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is a treat that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
Instructions
Cooking
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add the steak to the hot pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the penne pasta to the pan and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Return the steak slices to the pan and gently stir everything together. Let it simmer for 3 more minutes to allow the flavors to mesh and the steak to heat through.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving.
