Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta
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.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Steak 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
Pasta Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Use room-temperature steak cubes for even searing and quicker browning. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste — reduce for kids or increase for spice lovers.