Description

Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is a bold and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned steak with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. This hearty and satisfying dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner that’s easy to clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak & Seasoning

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs)
1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

12 oz penne pasta
Salt (for pasta water)
Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Sauce & Aromatics

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Additional Cajun seasoning, to taste

Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare Your Steak: Season the steak generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steak on both sides until a crust forms and it reaches your preferred doneness. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
Cook the Penne Pasta: Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and sliced steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh or high-quality Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.
Rest steak after searing to ensure juiciness and tenderness.
Use real shredded cheddar cheese for a smooth, rich sauce—avoid processed cheese powders.
Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor if it gets too thick.
Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling or separation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Cajun steak skillet, creamy penne pasta, cheddar cheese pasta, one pan dinner, spicy steak pasta