If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together smoky Cajun spices, tender steak, velvety cream, and heaps of Parmesan, look no further: the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Each bite is a glorious symphony—juicy flank or sirloin steak, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a swirl of garlicky, cheesy sauce flecked with fresh cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach. Simple to prepare but restaurant-worthy in flavor, this is the kind of dish you serve when you want to wow your tastebuds and your dinner guests alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is truly easy and starts with a handful of staples that pack a punch. Each component plays a vital part, adding flavor, color, or a rich texture that turns this pasta into something unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient shine.
- Penne pasta: The sturdy tubes capture the creamy sauce in every bite—plus, they hold up beautifully to hearty steak and veggies.
- Sirloin or flank steak: Slice it thin against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that make every forkful satisfying.
- Cajun seasoning: Divided between marinating the steak and flavoring the sauce, this blend brings a bold, smoky heat to the whole dish.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak and infusing extra richness into every layer of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Just a bit elevates the sauce, giving it a luscious, silky texture.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced, provide irresistible aroma and a pop of pungent flavor that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: This is your secret weapon for an ultra-creamy, decadent sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The signature salty, nutty flavor that finishes this pasta to perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the Cajun heat and richness.
- Baby spinach: A handful of fresh greens adds color, nutrients, and a delicate earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for boosting all the flavors—don’t skip them!
- Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan (optional): Gorgeous as a garnish and brings an extra pop of flavor right before serving.
How to Make Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still with a nice bite. Drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta just right is important for the overall texture of the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe, as it ensures the noodles soak up the sauce beautifully without getting soggy.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
While your pasta is cooking, slice the steak thinly against the grain—this step guarantees tenderness in every piece! Toss the steak with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, add the steak in a single layer, and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and just cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; a beautiful sear equals flavor. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and add the Parmesan cheese. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens ever so slightly and the tomatoes get soft and juicy.
Step 4: Toss Pasta and Greens
Add the drained penne pasta and fresh baby spinach straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every noodle, and let the spinach wilt from the residual heat. This creates that luxurious, vibrant base for your Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe, mingling creamy richness with bright tomatoes and greens.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the sliced steak to the skillet, folding it through the pasta and sauce so each bite is balanced with steak, pasta, and veggies. Taste and adjust with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with a shower of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that final flourish—a true feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
How to Serve Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch for the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is a flurry of freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan. Both add color and a fresh kick that balances the creamy richness. For extra fun, try a twist of cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little extra heat!
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Garlic bread is a classic—ready to mop up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers contrast and freshness, while roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans make for a quick, colorful addition to your dinner table. Keep the sides unfussy to let the star pasta shine!
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe family-style in a big bowl for guests to help themselves, which always sparks great conversation. For a more elegant occasion, pile the pasta high in individual shallow bowls and tuck slices of steak attractively on top. Add a sprinkle of microgreens or even edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy touch. No matter the presentation, this dish turns any meal into an event!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit by the next day, making it an excellent lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, do so before adding the spinach and steak back to the pasta. Cream sauces can separate once frozen, but this one can actually work if you reheat it gently; just know the texture may change slightly. Store in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, with a splash of milk or cream added to help restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently and avoid overheating, which can make the steak tough and sauce split. Single servings can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak offer great flavor and tenderness, ribeye or even thinly sliced filet mignon elevate this dish further. Just remember to slice against the grain and sear quickly to retain juiciness.
Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?
Of course! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or choose a mild Cajun blend. You can always add more heat at the table with hot sauce or red pepper flakes if some guests crave an extra kick!
Can the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta; the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to cook according to package directions to maintain the best texture.
What proteins can I substitute for steak?
Chicken or shrimp are both fantastic substitutions and work beautifully with the same Cajun cream sauce. Just adjust cooking times: chicken should be cooked through, and shrimp only takes a minute or two per side.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This dish is super versatile. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even asparagus are delicious additions—just sauté them before making the sauce for even more color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a bowl of creamy pasta loaded with steak and Cajun spice, and this Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe hits every craving—bold, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and share it with someone you love. One taste, and you’ll see why it never lasts long at my table!
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Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Cajun-inspired pasta dish featuring tender steak slices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. A perfect blend of spicy Cajun seasoning and savory ingredients creates a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Steak:
- 1 pound sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Others:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak: Season steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until cooked through; set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add pasta, spinach, and steak to the skillet. Heat through and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- For added spice, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for steak.
- Gluten-free pasta works well with this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
