Go Back
A hearty serving of creamy Cajun steak and pasta in a rustic bowl, showing off the rich texture of the spicy cream sauce.

Cajun Steak Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy & Spicy Recipe

This Cajun Steak Pasta recipe features tender, juicy sirloin steak and pasta tossed in a luscious, spicy Cajun cream sauce. An easy, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any night of the week, ready in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin steak about 1-inch thick
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb penne pasta or rigatoni
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes drained
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Pat the steaks dry and season generously on all sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from skillet and let them rest on a cutting board.
  2. While the steak rests, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and shallot, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and drained diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to your taste.
  6. Slice the rested steak against the grain. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Stir in the sliced steak, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Tip 2: Ensure the steak rests for at least 10 minutes before slicing for maximum tenderness.
Tip 3: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.