If you’re ready to shake up your pasta routine, the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This dish is a showstopper—tender Cajun-spiced steak and colorful bell peppers tangled up in penne, all blanketed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s hearty enough for a celebration but also simple and speedy enough for a weeknight treat. Creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, every bite is a little party on your plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the charm of this recipe is how it uses accessible, everyday ingredients that come together to build big flavors and irresistible textures. Each component brings something crucial—color, creaminess, savory notes, or a punch of heat—making the final dish worthy of any craving.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect base that catches every drop of that creamy, savory sauce.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Slicing thinly ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture and soaks up all the Cajun flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: The heart of this recipe—bold, smoky, and just the right touch of spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a silky sheen to the steak and helps sauté veggies and aromatics.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that infuses every bite with warmth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet, colorful crunch for contrast and visual flair.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brightens up both flavor and appearance with its sugary notes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that rich, decadent sauce that hugs each strand of pasta.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Boosts the meaty backbone and loosens the sauce just enough.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Offers tang and a hint of sweetness, giving the dish body and color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The essential finishing touch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Gives a pop of fresh green and a touch of herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook until just al dente—firm but tender, because it’ll cook a little more in the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water just in case you want to loosen your sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
Pat the steak slices dry and generously coat them with Cajun seasoning on all sides for maximum flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces in batches, just 2–3 minutes per side, until browned with gorgeous caramelized edges, and then set aside. This step locks in all the meaty juiciness that makes the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe so special!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly. Add the second tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 1–2 minutes—just until they’re fragrant and golden. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, stirring occasionally for 3–4 minutes, until they soften and start to blister for a sweet, roasted flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
To that colorful pan, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to intensify its flavor. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and turns beautifully creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. At this point, the aromas alone will have your kitchen smelling absolutely divine!
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Steak, and Sauce
Add the cooked penne and seared steak (along with any juices) back to the skillet. Toss everything together so every piece is coated in the silky, spicy sauce. Let it all mingle and heat through for about 1–2 minutes, giving the steak and pasta a chance to soak up that Cajun-Parmesan magic. If your sauce gets a bit too thick, just add a splash of your reserved pasta water to reach your perfect consistency.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Remove from the heat and shower the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for good measure. Serve immediately and get ready for smiles all around!
How to Serve Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Make your finished pasta pop by garnishing generously. A flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a clean, herby finish, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan brings both drama and cheesy goodness. For a little extra zing, you could add cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
Side Dishes
This satisfying pasta loves company! It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or some garlicky bread to swipe up every last bit of creamy Cajun sauce. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus also adds a lovely contrast in texture and a fresh note to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes it’s all about the wow factor. To really impress, serve the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe in a big family-style platter, swirling the steak and peppers on top for maximum visual appeal. Or, for a dinner party spin, try plating it in individual bowls with a dramatic pile of steak on each serving and artfully scattered parsley and Parmesan on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe stays delicious for up to three days, making for crave-worthy lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
While the sauce is at its creamy best when fresh, this dish actually holds up surprisingly well in the freezer if you need to meal-prep. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, warm them gently in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to help bring the sauce back to its original creaminess. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overheat, so the steak stays tender and the sauce remains smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent for this dish, but you can also try ribeye for extra richness or strip steak for a firmer bite. Thinly slicing against the grain is the real secret to keeping your steak pieces tender, whatever cut you choose.
How spicy is the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe?
The Cajun seasoning gives a gentle warmth rather than blasting you with heat, but you can easily adjust it up or down. If you’re a spice lover, toss in extra Cajun seasoning or finish with a pinch of cayenne; if you prefer things mild, use a little less seasoning.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
For a lighter version of the creamy sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich. Light cream cheese or Greek yogurt swirled in at the end can also give it some body and creaminess without all the calories.
Do I have to use both red and yellow bell peppers?
Not at all! Use whichever sweet peppers you love or have on hand. Orange bell peppers are a great substitute, or go all out with a rainbow of colors. The peppers add sweetness and color, but the dish will still shine even if you only use one type.
Is it possible to make the Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe ahead for a party?
Yes, you can partly prep ahead by cooking the steak, slicing the peppers, and grating the Parmesan in advance. You can even make the full dish up to a day ahead and reheat gently with a splash of cream, making it the ultimate entertaining-friendly pasta!
Final Thoughts
Bringing a little kick and a lot of comfort to your table, this Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe is one to bookmark and pass on. It’s rich, rewarding, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to have a plate. Give it a try—you might just have found your new signature pasta!
