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Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

A fiery, creamy one-skillet dinner featuring tender steak, penne pasta, and a rich cheddar Cajun sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and ideal for weeknights or weekend indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb steak (ribeye or sirloin)

8 oz penne pasta

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season & Sear the Steak: Pat steak dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with butter, sear 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and let rest, then slice thinly.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat and add more butter if needed. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in cheddar until smooth. Season with extra Cajun spice.
  4. Combine Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water if needed to loosen. Add sliced steak and fold gently.
  5. Serve: Plate hot and garnish with extra cheese or seasoning.