Creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Penne
This Creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Penne is a quick, indulgent weeknight dinner with tender steak and a luscious, spicy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips cut into bite-sized pieces, choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye
- 8 ounces penne pasta regular or whole wheat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the steak and sautéing the veggies
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream creates the luscious sauce base
- 1 cup chicken broth use a flavorful, natural broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Penne
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms but not fully cooked through. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over veggies and stir to coat. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping browned bits from pan bottom. Simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add heavy cream and stir until combined. Allow sauce to thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Steak Tips
- Return seared steak tips to skillet and stir into creamy sauce. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes so steak finishes cooking and absorbs flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked penne pasta into skillet with steak and sauce. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best texture.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large Pot
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Colander
Notes
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently on stovetop with added broth or cream.
- Freeze steak tips and sauce separately from pasta for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and chicken broth with vegetable broth.