Description
Cajun Cheesy Parmesan Steak delivers a flavor punch that’ll make your dinner table sizzle with excitement. Pepper-packed seasoning and melty cheese turn an ordinary cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy meal that rocks your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 680g sirloin or ribeye steak tips
Pasta and Cheese:
- 340g rigatoni pasta
- 115g cream cheese
- 100g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 110g shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves
- 360ml heavy cream
- 120ml whole milk
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil 340g rigatoni in salted water at 212°F until perfectly al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water for later.
- Slice 680g sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika across your steak chunks.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at 425°F. Sear steak pieces in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drop 1 tablespoon butter into the pan while searing. Baste steak quickly to enhance flavor. Transfer seared meat to a resting plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Mince 4 garlic cloves and sauté for 45-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour 360ml heavy cream and 120ml whole milk into the pan. Whisk 115g softened cream cheese until sauce becomes smooth.
- Gradually blend 100g Parmesan and 110g mozzarella into the cream sauce. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely.
- Season sauce with 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust thickness using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss pasta thoroughly to coat with cheesy sauce.
- Fold seared steak pieces back into the pasta. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes at medium heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Enjoy your creamy Cajun steak pasta immediately.
Notes
- Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the base flavor of your dish.
- Let the steak rest after searing to help retain its juices and ensure tender, flavorful meat.
- Use high-quality Parmesan and fresh mozzarella for the richest, most authentic cheese sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create the perfect creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 765 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg