Can I make creamy Cajun steak penne ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, this creamy Cajun steak penne with garlic & Parmesan recipe works well for meal prep with a few adjustments. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated. Store the sauce and steak separately from the pasta if possible. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that silky texture and revive the Cajun flavor. It's a great way to enjoy bold, homemade meals on busy weeknights.

What vegetables go well with Cajun steak pasta?

The classic combo of onions, red bell peppers, and garlic is essential to this creamy Cajun steak penne with garlic & Parmesan recipe. However, you can easily add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients. These vegetables complement the Cajun seasoning and create a well-rounded, veggie-packed version of the dish.

How can I make creamy Cajun steak penne dairy-free?

To make this creamy Cajun steak penne with garlic & Parmesan recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or almond-based cooking cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute . You’ll still get that creamy texture and savory depth without traditional dairy products. Be sure to choose a neutral-flavored plant-based cream to avoid altering the Cajun spice balance too much.

Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan

Name: Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Description

Creamy Cajun Steak Penne with Garlic & Parmesan is a rich and savory dish combining tender Cajun-spiced steak strips with penne pasta smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, indulgent weeknight dinner bursting with flavor and perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season steak strips with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until sauce thickens slightly, 3–5 minutes.
Add cooked penne and steak to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly and heat through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Swap sirloin with ribeye, flank, or NY strip for different textures and flavor.
To lighten the sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (reduce heat to avoid curdling).
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well over low heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 660
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg