Description
A rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying weeknight dinner that combines seared steak, tender penne, and a luxurious creamy Cajun sauce in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces (340g) penne rigate
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Let sit while chopping veggies.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but slightly pink. Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute, then reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add cooked penne and seared steak back into the pan. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat, adjust seasoning with remaining Cajun spice if needed, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Slice steak against the grain for tenderness. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak. Save pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. The steak will continue cooking in the hot sauce, so remove it while still slightly pink. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun steak, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, penne pasta, quick meals, comfort food, steak dinner, easy recipes