Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying balance of protein and carbs, then our Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet will quickly become a favorite in your household. This recipe is more than just a quick fix; it’s a comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen in under an hour.

Rich, savory, and full of flavor, this dish pairs juicy Cajun-seasoned steak with tender penne pasta, all coated in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Every bite offers a perfect blend of smoky spice, creamy richness, and tender pasta—a perfect harmony that’s sure to impress family, friends, or even your weeknight dinner cravings.

Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, entertaining guests, or just looking for a delicious one-pan meal to elevate your weeknight dinners, this skillet dish checks all the boxes. Let’s explore what makes this recipe truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Steak Pasta

• One-skillet meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Bold & creamy combo: The smoky Cajun spice contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheddar sauce.

• Satisfying & filling: Packed with protein from steak and carbs from pasta—it’s hearty and satisfying.

• Customizable: Adjust the spice, cheese, or even add vegetables to make it your own.

• Pinterest-perfect presentation: With colorful ingredients and creamy textures, this dish is made for sharing online.

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a bold and spicy blend originating from Louisiana. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. The mix brings heat, depth, and a smoky flavor that works especially well with meats and creamy sauces.

When used with steak, it enhances the meat’s natural richness while the heat contrasts with the creaminess of the cheese sauce—creating a flavor experience that’s hard to beat.

Read Also: Spicy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this mouth-watering dish:

• 10 oz penne pasta

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional, for color and crunch)

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Toss the sliced steak with Cajun seasoning until fully coated. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Slowly stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and seared steak back to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions or parsley. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for added spice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

• Slice steak thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.

• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente texture holds up best in creamy sauces.

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

• Deglaze the skillet properly after searing steak to add flavor to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out the meal, serve this Cajun steak pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade also pairs nicely with the creamy richness of the dish.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Yes, fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini work well as substitutes.

2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
   It has a mild to medium heat. Adjust the amount or choose a low-heat version if sensitive to spice.

3. Can I make this dish less creamy?
   Yes, reduce the amount of cream or cheese to your preference.

4. What kind of steak is best?
   Flank, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender.

5. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes, but for best results, prepare the sauce fresh and add cooked steak and pasta when reheating.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Not unless you use gluten-free pasta and check your seasoning blend for gluten.

7. Can I add vegetables?
   Absolutely—sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli make great additions.

8. What cheese alternatives can I use?
   Mozzarella for meltiness, pepper jack for spice, or Gouda for smokiness.

9. Can I substitute milk for cream?
   You can, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

10. Is it okay to use pre-cooked steak?
    Yes, reheat it briefly before adding it to the sauce to avoid overcooking.

11. How can I make this healthier?
    Use leaner steak cuts, whole grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese or cream.

12. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well and may separate when thawed. It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Conclusion

Our Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a comfort-food experience that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying, one-skillet meal you’ll crave again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that looks as good as it tastes, which makes it not only a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table but also a showstopper on your recipe blog or Pinterest board.

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