This Cajun steak tips recipe with cheesy penne parmesan sauce is a weeknight dinner that tastes like a steakhouse splurge. The bold spices of Cajun-seasoned steak meet creamy, ultra-cheesy penne in a way that feels indulgent, yet is easy enough to whip up after work.
Each bite balances seared, juicy beef tips with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce clinging to pasta. The Cajun heat doesn’t overpower but adds just enough kick to make the cheesy parmesan sauce even more comforting. It’s everything you want from comfort food but with serious flavor flair.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Steak Tips Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—hearty, flavorful, creamy, and satisfying—this dish delivers. The steak tips sear beautifully with that signature Cajun crust, while the penne soaks up all the cheesy, savory goodness. Plus, it comes together in under an hour with pantry staples, making it a perfect go-to for busy evenings or impressing guests without fuss.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for Cajun Steak Tips?
The beauty of steak tips is their versatility. Sirloin tips are a popular option, but you can also use ribeye or strip steak cut into bite-sized pieces. The key is quick cooking over high heat for that caramelized exterior and juicy inside. Whatever cut you choose, make sure it has some marbling—fat means flavor and tenderness here.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
This dish is a flavor bomb thanks to the blend of spicy Cajun seasoning and a rich parmesan cream sauce. The ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays an important role in building layers of taste and texture.
- Steak tips
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cream cheese
- Penne pasta
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley


How To Make the Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Tips
Toss your steak tips with Cajun seasoning until they’re well-coated. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the steak tips on all sides until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Penne
While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, then add cream cheese and let it melt. Whisk in parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Use a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat with the cheesy sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish with Steak and Garnish
Return the steak tips to the pan, nestling them into the pasta. Let everything warm together for a few minutes. Top with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve and Store This Cajun Steak Tips Recipe
This recipe feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably, making it ideal for a family dinner or even a cozy dinner party. Serve it right from the skillet for that rustic, family-style appeal. Leftovers? You’re in luck. This dish reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
What to Serve With Cajun Steak Tips and Cheesy Penne
Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with crusty garlic bread to scoop up the extra cheesy sauce.
Roasted Asparagus
The fresh bite of roasted asparagus cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a pop of green.
Classic Caprese Salad
A fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad keeps things light and pairs well with the savory Cajun spice.
Creamed Spinach
This soft, buttery green side dish fits right in with the creamy theme.
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls
Add a spicy crunch to contrast the tender pasta and steak.
Buttery Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn is always a win with Cajun flavors.
Chilled Cucumber Salad
A cool and tangy salad can balance out the heat and richness.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl (as a lighter second option)
If you’re feeding a crowd, offer these meatballs as an extra protein for variety.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas with a Southern Twist?
If you love this Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce, check out these other cozy and flavor-packed favorites from the site:
- Try our Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy upgrade on classic pasta night.
- Warm up with the Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells for double the comfort.
- Our One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is just right when you want full flavor with fewer dishes.
- Need something lighter but just as tasty? The Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is creamy and protein-packed.
- Or keep the Southern flavor going with the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese, which never fails to satisfy.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And when you try it, let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra Cajun or tone it down? Did you try a different cheese combo?
I always love hearing the tweaks and spins you all bring to the table.
Explore even more weeknight comfort recipes and Southern-style dishes over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. It’s where I share what I’m cooking in real-time, every day.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce hits every note you want in a comforting dinner—flavorful steak, rich cheesy pasta, and a hint of spice to keep things exciting. It’s proof that a homemade meal can be both impressive and easy to pull off. Once you make it, it’ll likely earn a top spot in your dinner rotation.


Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Recipe with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is the perfect comfort food. Spicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips are served over creamy, cheesy penne pasta for a mouthwatering Southern-inspired dinner. It’s an easy, weeknight-worthy recipe packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
1 lb steak tips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz cream cheese
12 oz penne pasta
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips on all sides until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream, then add cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
6. Add parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until the sauce is creamy. Thin with pasta water as needed.
7. Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Return steak tips to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
9. Warm everything together for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
