Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
A creamy, bold dish featuring juicy steak, smoky Cajun seasoning, and a rich ranch honey cheese sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream, ranch dressing, and honey. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add steak strips and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.