Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver – this creamy Cajun steak cheddar penne skillet! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. One pan, thirty minutes, and boom – you’ve got this rich, spicy, cheesy masterpiece that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. The first time I made it, my husband took one bite and said “This tastes like restaurant food!” (High praise from a man who thinks ketchup is a spice.) What I love most is how the Cajun seasoning gives the tender steak such a bold kick, while that velvety cheddar sauce wraps everything together in creamy perfection. And the best part? You’ll only dirty one skillet – which means more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pans!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
Trust me, this dish is about to become your new go-to for so many reasons:
- One-pan wonder – Less cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal (and maybe even relax!)
- Bold flavors – That Cajun kick paired with creamy cheddar? Absolute perfection.
- Customizable heat – Love it spicy? Add more seasoning. Prefer it mild? Go easy – it’s your kitchen!
- Weeknight easy – Ready in 30 minutes flat, even on your busiest evenings.
- Crowd-pleaser – Kids go crazy for the cheesy pasta, adults adore the steak – everyone wins!
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s comfort food with just the right amount of excitement.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
Okay, let’s gather our flavor warriors! Here’s what you’ll need to make this skillet magic happen:
- 1 lb sirloin steak – sliced thin against the grain (trust me, this makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender)
- 8 oz penne pasta – the ridges hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly
- 1 cup heavy cream – the secret to that luscious sauce texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded (those anti-caking agents aren’t our friends here)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning – the flavor MVP! Use your favorite brand or homemade blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect sear on our steak
- 1/2 cup diced onion – yellow or white, whatever’s in your pantry
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper – I love using red for sweetness, but any color works
- 2 cloves garlic – minced fine (because nobody wants a big garlic chunk)
- Salt and pepper – to taste, but go easy – that Cajun seasoning packs flavor!
Pro tip: Have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking – this dish comes together fast!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Here’s what’s essential:
- Large skillet – A 12-inch works perfectly (cast iron gives the best sear, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do)
- Wooden spoon – For stirring that creamy sauce without scratching your pan
- Sharp knife – Makes slicing that steak thin a breeze
- Measuring cups/spoons – Because eyeballing cream and spices never ends well!
That’s it! See? I told you this was easy.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready before you start. I learned that the hard way when I burned my garlic while frantically grating cheese – oops!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, get that penne boiling in well-salted water (it should taste like the sea!). Cook it just until al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. We’ll finish cooking it in the sauce later, and nobody wants mushy pasta. Drain it but don’t rinse – we need that starch to help the sauce cling!
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the oil. When it shimmers (that’s your cue it’s hot enough), toss in the steak slices and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Don’t crowd the pan – work in batches if needed. We’re looking for a nice brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate – the steak will finish cooking later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In that same glorious skillet (all those browned bits = flavor gold!), toss in the onions and peppers. Cook until they soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic last – just 30 seconds until fragrant. Burnt garlic is the worst, trust me!
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and pour in the cream. Let it bubble gently for a minute to thicken slightly. Now the fun part – gradually sprinkle in the cheddar while stirring constantly. Low and slow wins the race here for a smooth, velvety sauce. If it seems too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Time for the grand finale! Toss in the cooked pasta and steak, stirring until everything’s coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning – sometimes I add an extra pinch of Cajun spice here. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and watch those happy faces at your table!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for skillet success:
- Slice steak thin – Against the grain for maximum tenderness (I learned this after serving rubbery steak once – never again!)
- Freshly grate your cheese – Pre-shredded just doesn’t melt as smoothly (those anti-caking powders ruin the sauce texture)
- Control the heat – Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add more at the end if you want extra kick
- Don’t overcook the pasta – It keeps cooking in the sauce, so go al dente (bite-test at 9 minutes!)
- Use the steak juices – When resting the steak, pour those flavorful drippings right into the sauce
Follow these tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality results every single time!
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this dish? You can totally make it your own! Here are my favorite tweaks when I’m improvising:
- Protein swap – Chicken thighs work beautifully instead of steak (just cook a minute longer)
- Lighter cream – Half-and-half or whole milk work in a pinch – the sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious
- Pasta options – Gluten-free penne or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version (adjust cook time accordingly)
- Cheese lovers – Try pepper jack for extra spice or gruyère for a fancy twist
- Veggie boost – Mushrooms or spinach add great texture (toss in with the peppers)
See? Endless possibilities to suit your taste and what’s in your fridge! If you are looking for other great dinner ideas, check out our dinner ideas section.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, you’ve gotta serve this skillet beauty with some garlic bread to sop up that creamy sauce – it’s mandatory! A crisp green salad on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. And if you’re feeling fancy, a cold beer or chilled white wine makes this weeknight meal feel like a date night. For a great side salad recipe, consider trying our classic coleslaw recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? (Lucky you!) Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, splash in a tablespoon of cream and warm gently on the stove – it’ll bring that sauce right back to life. Freezing? I don’t recommend it – the creamy texture just isn’t the same after thawing. But let’s be real – there’s rarely leftovers with this dish anyway!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that you’ll care once you taste it!): Each serving clocks in around 580 calories with 32g fat, 45g carbs, and 35g protein. But remember – nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. My advice? Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite and maybe take an extra walk tomorrow! For more information on general food safety and nutrition guidelines, you can check out resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FAQ
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Oh honey, I know it’s tempting (those bags are so convenient!), but trust me – freshly grated cheddar melts so much smoother. Those anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make your sauce grainy. Just grab a block and spend two minutes with a grater – your taste buds will thank you!
How do I reduce the spice level? No shame in dialing back the heat! Start with just 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning instead of a full tablespoon. You can always add more at the end. And if it’s still too spicy? A splash of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon can help balance things out.
Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best fresh (that creamy texture!), you can prep components in advance. Cook the pasta and steak earlier in the day, then just warm everything together with the sauce when you’re ready to eat. The sauce might thicken – just stir in a bit of milk or pasta water to loosen it up.
What if my sauce breaks? Don’t panic! If your sauce looks curdled or separated, take it off the heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter or a splash of hot pasta water. Keep whisking until it comes back together. I’ve saved many sauces this way after getting distracted by my kids! If you are interested in learning more about sauce making techniques, resources on Serious Eats often cover these culinary basics.
Can I use a different cut of steak? Absolutely! Flank or skirt steak works great too – just make sure to slice it thin against the grain. Even chicken breast or shrimp would be delicious if that’s what you have. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is!
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Irresistible 30-Minute Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender steak, creamy cheddar sauce, and penne pasta with Cajun spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced thin
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced steak and Cajun seasoning, cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and steak back to the skillet, mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning.
- Substitute half-and-half if heavy cream is unavailable.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy Cajun steak cheddar penne skillet, one-pan pasta, spicy steak pasta