There’s nothing quite like a hearty pasta dish that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor. This creamy Cajun steak penne pasta is exactly that—a one-skillet dinner that’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
You’ll love how the bold Cajun seasoning perfectly complements tender steak strips and al dente penne, all wrapped in a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a go-to for an easy yet impressive meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick one-skillet meal with minimal cleanup
- Rich, creamy sauce with bold Cajun flavors
- Juicy steak strips provide satisfying protein
- Perfectly cooked penne pasta absorbs every bite of sauce
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
Ingredients
Gather these simple, flavorful ingredients to create your creamy Cajun steak penne pasta.
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 580 per serving
How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta — Quick One-Skillet Dinner
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add steak to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the sliced bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly with sauce.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the dish is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a high-quality sirloin or ribeye steak for tender, flavorful meat.
- Don’t overcook the steak; it should stay juicy and slightly pink inside.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Feel free to swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it.
You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and maintain the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of steak for this recipe?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute. Cook the chicken thoroughly and slice it before adding it to the sauce and pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust spice levels by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or choosing a milder seasoning blend.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter, creamy texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead, such as cooking the steak and sautéing vegetables. Combine and finish the sauce just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.