Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

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Get ready to fall in love with bold, Southern-inspired flavors in this Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce. Juicy, pan-seared steak tips seasoned with a smoky Cajun blend meet a rich, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce coating perfectly al dente penne pasta. It’s a hearty dinner idea that brings restaurant-quality indulgence to your home kitchen—comfort food with a spicy edge.

This dish is for anyone who loves the fiery kick of Cajun seasoning balanced by the smooth creaminess of cheese. It’s great for weeknight meals when you want something satisfying, or for weekend guests when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or plate it up fancy-style, it never disappoints.

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What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Tips?

For this dish, sirloin steak tips are the top choice. They offer the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, and they hold up beautifully to high-heat searing. You can also use ribeye or strip steak cut into chunks, but sirloin gives you that juicy bite with just enough chew.

The key is to marinate or season the steak generously with Cajun spices and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This lets the flavors penetrate the meat and ensures each bite is bold and mouthwatering.

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Ingredients for the Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Sirloin Steak Tips
The main star of this recipe, these bites bring robust beefy flavor and soak up the Cajun seasoning perfectly.

Cajun Seasoning
Essential for that deep, smoky Southern flavor. A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Penne Pasta
A sturdy pasta that holds the cheesy sauce well in its ridges, making each bite creamy and satisfying.

Heavy Cream
Creates a rich and luscious base for the cheese sauce that balances out the spice.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated is best. It melts into the cream to form a smooth, nutty sauce.

Garlic & Onion Powder
For depth of flavor in both the steak and the sauce.

Butter
Used for searing the steak tips and building flavor into the sauce.

Parsley & Crushed Red Pepper
Optional, but adds a pop of color and extra heat for garnish.

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How To Make the Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Rest the Steak Tips

Generously coat the sirloin steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let them rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes while you prep your pasta and sauce ingredients. This helps the meat tenderize and absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Boil the Penne

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

In a hot skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes, until a deep crust forms. Remove from pan and let them rest while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those bits add flavor), lower heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan, a pinch of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Add a bit of pasta water if it needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Fold the steak tips back in and warm everything together for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like it extra spicy.

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How to Serve and Store This Cajun Steak Tips Recipe

This dish is best served immediately after it’s cooked. The creamy Parmesan sauce stays smooth and the steak tips remain juicy and flavorful. Serve it family-style in a large dish or plated individually with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan for that gourmet look.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving the steak too long to keep it from becoming rubbery.

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What to Serve With Cajun Steak Tips and Cheesy Penne?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of that cheesy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli cuts through the richness of the pasta, adding balance.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad with tangy dressing adds freshness and a crisp bite.

Southern Cornbread

For a true Southern experience, serve with sweet or spicy cornbread on the side.

Green Beans Almondine

Lightly sauteed green beans with sliced almonds provide texture and a fresh crunch.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness complements the spice of the Cajun steak tips.

Creamed Spinach

A rich, velvety spinach side harmonizes beautifully with the creamy pasta sauce.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Cajun steak pasta fusion, these other comforting favorites are worth a try:

• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni is a one-pan masterpiece packed with steak and cheesy goodness.
• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese adds a sweet-and-spicy twist to classic mac.
• Spicy Cajun Steak Mozzarella Alfredo Pasta brings the heat with melty cheese and bold flavor.
• One Pan Cajun Honey Butter Steak Pasta Wonder offers easy cleanup and big flavor.
• Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is great for a hands-off meal with creamy flair.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added sautéed mushrooms, a splash of bourbon, or swapped penne for rigatoni? I’d love to hear your version—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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