Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce recipe is the kind of comfort food that doesn’t just satisfy your cravings, it completely spoils you. Each bite is a celebration of bold, spicy Cajun-seasoned steak mingling with rich, cheesy penne smothered in a creamy parmesan sauce. It’s indulgent in all the right ways and the perfect dish to whip up when you want to impress or treat yourself to something special.

The contrast between the spice-kissed steak tips and the smooth, luxurious cheese sauce creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. This dish doesn’t just fill the belly—it fills the soul. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home, a date night, or feeding friends on the weekend, this is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The Cajun spices bring a kick of flavor to the tender steak tips, while the cheese sauce tames it with a comforting, velvety texture. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen without needing a culinary degree.

Not only is this recipe flavorful, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and a breeze to customize. Swap out the penne for rigatoni or fettuccine, or try it with grilled chicken instead of steak. It reheats like a dream too, which means leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Tips?

For the most flavorful and tender steak tips, opt for sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin provides great flavor at a more budget-friendly price, while ribeye offers beautiful marbling that melts into the meat as it cooks. You want a cut that holds up well to high-heat searing and absorbs the Cajun spices fully. Be sure to let the meat rest after cooking to keep every bite juicy.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

To build a dish with such deep flavor, it starts with bold, fresh ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a role in creating that indulgent Cajun heat and creamy pasta goodness. Don’t skip the seasoning—that’s what makes this more than just another steak and pasta dish.

• Steak tips
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Penne pasta
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley

How To Make the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Add to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the cheese sauce. Plate the pasta and top with Cajun steak tips. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

This hearty dish serves about 4 to 5 people generously, making it perfect for small family dinners or an indulgent date night with leftovers. The cheesy sauce thickens slightly as it cools, which makes it just as good the next day. To store, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creaminess without drying it out.

If you’re planning ahead, you can even cook the pasta and steak tips a day in advance and simply reheat and combine everything with fresh sauce when ready to serve. This makes for a quick and impressive dinner option even on busy weeknights.

What to Serve With Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich parmesan sauce.

Grilled Asparagus

The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus complements the spicy Cajun steak and cuts through the creaminess of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A cool, crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast and brings a bit of crunch to the meal.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli with a hint of lemon pairs beautifully with the savory richness of the steak and cheese.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you’re going all out, add a scoop of mashed potatoes on the side for the ultimate comfort pairing.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their earthy umami flavor brings another layer of depth that works wonderfully with steak.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet and buttery corn adds a pop of freshness that balances the spice in the dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

Pairing this meal with a glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this cheesy Cajun steak pasta made your taste buds dance, you’re in for more flavor-packed dishes you can whip up next:

• Try the rich and spicy One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you’re craving something hearty in a hurry.
• For a saucy and satisfying twist, check out the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.
• Our Creamy Cajun Linguine hits the same spice-meets-comfort note with a lighter, more elegant feel.
• Looking for something summery and bold? The Flavorful Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Crema is a vibrant option.
• And don’t miss our Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for a tropical, creamy heat you’ll want to make on repeat.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sirloin or splurge on ribeye? Add extra Cajun heat or mellow it down?

I love seeing how you personalize these meals. Questions or ideas? Drop them below and let’s make dinner even better together.

Explore beautifully curated flavor-packed dinner ideas and health-boosting bites on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite.

Conclusion

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is more than just a dinner idea—it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines bold Southern spice with indulgent Italian-inspired comfort. From the juicy seared steak to the creamy cheese-laced pasta, every bite delivers satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding family or cooking to impress, this recipe is a keeper.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?