Description
A quick and easy one-pot weeknight dinner featuring tender steak, penne pasta, and a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound steak (Sirloin or Ribeye), cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces penne pasta (about 2 cups dry)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat steak dry and cut into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak strips in batches for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry penne pasta to the pan. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits. Add remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened. Add splash of water if too dry.
- Return cooked steak and juices to the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan for nutritional yeast. For a vegetarian twist, replace steak with mushrooms or zucchini. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Cajun steak, penne pasta, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy steak recipe, comfort food