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Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta

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A comforting and slightly spicy pasta dish featuring tender sirloin strips and a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.25 lb sirloin steak, sliced into bite-size strips
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne until just tender then drain and set aside. Reserve a half cup of pasta water.
  2. In a bowl, toss the steak strips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and let it foam. Add the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove steak to a plate.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits. Remove the garlic with the steak so it does not burn.
  5. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp flour and whisk to form a roux; cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup grated Parmesan, and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
  8. Season the sauce with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  9. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly, letting the pasta absorb the sauce for a minute.
  10. Top the sauced pasta with the seared Cajun steak. Gently toss to combine or layer the steak on top for a restaurant-style presentation.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra grated cheese, and red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. Ensure to slice steak across the grain for tenderness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creamy-cajun-steak-penne-pasta/