Description
This Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender steak, pasta, and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 250g penne pasta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 70g onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 240ml vegetable broth
- 200ml heavy cream
- 200g cheddar cheese, shredded
- 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil and drain penne pasta until al dente.
- Blend Spices: Combine smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, pepper, and salt.
- Season Steak: Toss beef strips with the Cajun spice blend.
- Sear Steak: Sear seasoned steak in olive oil until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Simmer vegetable broth and heavy cream until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Melt: Return pasta and steak to skillet, add cheese, and stir until melted.
- Rest & Garnish: Rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution and a good sear on the steak. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg