Name: Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (trimmed of excess fat); 2 tbsp olive oil (for tossing steak); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter (divided, room temperature); 4 cloves garlic, minced (for steak sauce); 1 cup heavy cream (for steak sauce); 1/2 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium for steak sauce); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for steak sauce); 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish, thinly sliced); 1 lb penne pasta (dry); 6 tbsp butter (for garlic Parmesan sauce); 6 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic Parmesan sauce); 1 cup heavy cream (for garlic Parmesan sauce); 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium); 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess); 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta is comfort food turned gourmet: juicy, spicy steak bites nestled on a silky, garlicky Parmesan pasta. This dish balances bold Cajun heat with a rich cream sauce for a dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight. Fun fact: many Southern cooks blend Cajun seasoning with cream to mellow the heat and create a luscious sauce that clings to every bite — perfect for carb lovers and spice seekers alike.

If you love simple, quick dinners that impress, this recipe is for you. It comes together fast, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and pleases both kids and adults. If you enjoy other rich pasta-and-protein combos, check out this take on garlic-butter sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta for another family-friendly option: https://recipesfiber.com/garlic-butter-sausage-bites-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta/. Get ready to make a meal that looks like it took hours but lands on the table in under an hour.

What is Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta?

What’s in a name? Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta tells you exactly what to expect: tender steak cubes tossed in Cajun spices served over a decadent garlic-Parmesan penne. Curious where the name came from — was it a late-night diner mashup or a home cook’s clever shortcut? Maybe it’s because someone realized that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and adding cream and Parmesan only speeds up the romance. Either way, it’s a playful, flavor-forward dinner that combines Southern spice and Italian comfort. Try it and see why it might become your go-to weeknight showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold, balanced flavor: The Cajun-seasoned steak brings smoky, spicy notes while the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce soothes the heat with luxurious richness. Each bite is savory, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Cost-effective and adaptable: Using a smaller amount of sirloin cut into cubes stretches the meat across multiple servings. Homemade sauces from pantry staples beat store-bought jarred sauces in both taste and value.
Crowd-pleasing comfort: This dish is family-friendly — you can adjust spice levels for kids or keep it bold for adults. The creamy pasta appeals to picky eaters while the steak adds protein and texture.

If you liked our rich garlic-butter steak bites served with rigatoni, you’ll find many familiar flavors here but with a Cajun twist for extra excitement: https://recipesfiber.com/steak-bites-in-rich-garlic-butter-sauce-with-creamy-parmesan-rigatoni/. Make this tonight and treat your family to something both comforting and adventurous.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: sear seasoned steak bites quickly for a caramelized exterior and juicy interior, prepare a creamy Cajun pan sauce for the steak, and toss cooked penne in a separate garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. The standout element is the dual-cream approach — a rich pasta sauce plus a spicy steak sauce — that layers flavors without extra fuss. Prep and cook time combined are about 35–45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (trimmed of excess fat)
2 tbsp olive oil (for tossing steak)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter, divided (room temperature)
4 cloves garlic, minced (for steak sauce)
1 cup heavy cream (for steak sauce)
1/2 cup beef broth (preferably low-sodium for steak sauce)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for steak sauce)
2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish (thinly sliced)
1 lb penne pasta (dry)
6 tbsp butter (for garlic Parmesan sauce)
6 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic Parmesan sauce)
1 cup heavy cream (for garlic Parmesan sauce)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Directions

Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. Ensure the steak is evenly coated.
Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until nicely browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the Cajun cream sauce. Toss to coat the steak evenly in the sauce.
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the 6 cloves minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 cup milk. Bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the saucepan with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Serve the garlic Parmesan penne immediately, topped with the creamy Cajun steak bites. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta

What to Serve With

Simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Roasted asparagus or green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon zest
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up extra sauce
A light, citrusy white wine like Pinot Grigio or an amber ale for beer drinkers
For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or a cucumber-tomato salad

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature steak cubes for even searing and quicker browning.
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; work in batches to get a proper crust.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste — reduce for kids or increase for spice lovers.
For a deeper flavor, deglaze the steak pan with a splash of red wine before adding cream.
Grate Parmesan fresh for the best melt and flavor; pre-grated can be grainy.
If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen with more chicken or beef broth, a tablespoon at a time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep pasta and steak together for best flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze the steak bites in sauce for up to 2 months, but the pasta texture may change. Freeze in a separate airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring often, and add a little liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Sirloin is economical and tender when cut into cubes. You can use ribeye for more marbling or flank steak for a leaner option; adjust searing time slightly.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half plus a tablespoon of flour to thicken, or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for creaminess, but the texture will be slightly different.

How do I make this less spicy for kids?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp and omit smoked paprika. Serve extra Cajun sauce on the side for adults.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the steak and sauces separately and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked penne before serving.

What if my sauce splits?
If the cream sauce separates, remove from heat and whisk in a small cold splash of cream or milk slowly. Finishing with grated Parmesan can also help bind it back together.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta delivers bold flavor without fuss — juicy steak, silky garlic-Parmesan pasta, and a spicy, creamy finish that makes weeknights feel special. It’s easy to scale, friendly for family dinners, and perfect for company. If you loved the rich flavors here and want another twist on steak and Parmesan pasta, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Steak and Parmesan Fettuccine Recipe for more inspiration: Delicious Garlic Butter Steak and Parmesan Fettuccine Recipe. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the applause at the table.