Description
A comforting, slightly spicy pasta dish featuring steak seared to perfection and tossed in a silky white cheddar cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente (10–12 minutes). Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil until shimmering.
- Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add the steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 5–7 minutes until browned outside but medium-rare inside. Remove steak to a plate and let it rest.
- Lower heat to medium; add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar until smooth. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Return the steak to the skillet and add drained penne. Toss together to coat in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half thickened with cornstarch. Gluten-free penne and vegetarian alternatives are also options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun steak, comfort food, weeknight dinner