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Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta

Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta That'll Spice Up Your Dinner

This Creamy Cajun Steak Penne Pasta is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pené Pasta You can substitute with fusilli or rigatoni.
For the Cajun Steak
  • 1 lb Steak Strips Choose a quick-cooking cut like sirloin.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances the steak’s flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to suit your spice cravings.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Can be swapped with regular paprika.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter Margarine is a suitable alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Flour Cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Consider half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese For creaminess.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 oz Cream Cheese For flavor depth.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Adjust according to taste.
For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Parsley Feel free to swap for basil.
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for extra kick.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Toss steak strips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter. Sear the marinated steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute until light golden brown.
  5. Gradually pour in heavy cream and milk while whisking. Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  8. Top with the seared steak and garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This dish is highly customizable; feel free to swap the steak with shrimp or chicken based on your preference. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

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